Odhiambo reveals major problem affecting Kakamega Homeboyz' title hopes

Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has laid bare what he believes is the biggest stumbling block derailing his side’s push for a maiden FKF Premier League title.

Speaking to Azam TV after Saturday’s pulsating 3-3 draw against Mara Sugar at Bukhungu Stadium, Odhiambo admitted that his team’s inability to manage games while in the lead has emerged as a growing concern, one that is steadily undermining their championship ambitions.

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Odhiambo’s candid assessment followed an action-packed six-goal thriller in which the Kakamega-based outfit surrendered the lead on three separate occasions, ultimately settling for a share of the spoils in a match they appeared destined to win.

Homeboyz struck first as early as the eighth minute when Potiphar Odhiambo calmly converted from the penalty spot.

However, their advantage lasted only until Alex Imbusia restored parity for Mara Sugar 25 minutes before the break, ensuring the sides went into halftime locked level.

The hosts reclaimed control ten minutes after the restart when Oliver Majaka rose highest to power home a header from Boniface Onyango’s well-delivered corner.

Yet again, Homeboyz failed to capitalise on their ascendancy as Mara Sugar responded ten minutes later through Timothy Ndayala, whose diving header from a pinpoint Jim Owili cross drew the visitors level.

With 18 minutes remaining, skipper Moses Mudavadi appeared to have finally sealed the contest for Homeboyz after his effort deflected off Nasoor Shikokoti and into the net.

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But moments later, drama unfolded once more as Mara Sugar drew level through an own goal.

The result marked the fifth occasion this season that Homeboyz have surrendered winning positions to drop points, four of those coming at home and one away to Bandari, an alarming trend that has significantly dented their title credentials.

On November 9, 2025, Homeboyz let a lead slip in a 1-1 draw against Murang’a Seal.

The same scoreline followed against KCB on November 30 after conceding late.

On December 12, they squandered a two-goal advantage to draw with Shabana FC, while a late collapse away to Bandari at Mbaraki Stadium on January 10 saw them lose 2-1 despite being on course for victory.

Collectively, those setbacks have cost Homeboyz a staggering 11 points, points that could have placed them firmly in the title conversation for the 2025/26 season.

“It is disappointing to concede three goals in a match we had already won,” Odhiambo admitted.

“When you want to win the league, you must be able to manage games better. Scoring three goals and conceding the same in one match is a big concern.”

We really need to work on our mental toughness, especially when we are leading. We had the chance to win the match, but it boiled down to mentality. That is something we must address immediately,” he added.

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The former KCB tactician also hinted at the possibility of late reinforcements before the mid-season transfer window closes, though he acknowledged time may be against the club.

“The window is nearing closure, but if we can pull something out to strengthen the team, then we certainly will,” Odhiambo said.