Steady Kamura banking on personal experience to aid Homeboyz past Al Hilal

As one of the squad veterans at Kakamega Homeboyz this season, center back Robinson Kamura believes his presence will be key for his side as they tread new grounds - the CAF Confederation Cup.

Homeboyz’ new journey kicks off on Saturday 19 August as the team prepares to battle it out against Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi in the competition’s first leg preliminary round matchup to be played at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Kamura’s previous experience in the ‘bigger lights’ is familiar territory, as he was part of the AFC Leopards team that featured in a similar stage back in 2018, and against Malagasy football club FOSA Juniors - a two legged tie that Ingwe lost by virtue of the away goal rule, having drawn 1-1 at home before securing a barren draw in the reverse fixture away at the Stade Rabemananjara Grounds in Madagascar.

That experience, he believes, will be vital for the continental cup debutants.

“Being part of that AFC Leopards team definitely carries some impact on just how I can help this team navigate through the first two games,” Kamura told Mozzart Sport in an interview. “Oftenly when you come out on the losing side, you make a choice. For me it would be a disservice if I don’t lead the team, mainly consisting of first timers, to believing they can win.”

Given the scrutiny and pressure that comes in such high profile matches, the former KCB defender said: “It's good for the fans to expect, but as players, we know what cuts it. It's to focus on the task ahead and work hard at it. Knockout tournaments tend to be a different ball game from normal league matches and going by our recent run to winning the Mozzart Bet Cup last season, I believe the team understands how to handle such games and shouldn't be afraid of the moment.”

Kamura, who signed with Patrick Odhiambo’s side at the beginning of last season, was part of the team that defied many supporters’ expectations in getting past Gor Mahia, Kariobangi Sharks, AFC Leopards and Tusker in eventually winning last year’s edition of the Mozzart Bet Cup.

Eshihanda angling for continental bow against Al Hilal

Since then, Homeboyz have signed a couple of new players among them; Davis Kasirye, Alex Imbusia, Oscar Paul, Francis Omondi, Farouk Misisi, and Stephen Opoku.

The former Mathare United players thinks highly of the players, and has been impressed with their work so far in the squad.

“Unlocking another level meant bringing in some experience,” Kamura said. “Just looking at how they have played in the few friendly matches we’ve had, I think they make us better and add valuable options from the bench that we could use in such matches.”

Ugandan quartet to officiate Homeboyz-Al Hilal clash

On how the team has fared in the build-up fixtures, Kamura said: “It was great. Picked up lessons from every game. Be it the KCCA game - where Homeboyz lost 0-2 in Uganda - or the Gor Mahia one in the FKF Shield Cup, we have come out with questions that needed answering. Gradual progress is what we’ve been leaning on, and should be pretty significant on Saturday.”

The match kicks off at 1500 EAT, with the return leg in Libya scheduled for Sunday 27 August 2023.

The winner on aggregate after both legs will advance to the second preliminary round where they will face Rayon Sport of Rwanda.