Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo reckons that they have what it takes to storm the FKF Cup title for the second time in a row.
Odhiambo spoke moments after tournament organisers released the fixtures for the 2024 edition, following a draw conducted at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) on Wednesday.
Homeboyz will embark on their lofty title defence campaign against lower-tier side Solian City in the round of 32 fixtures on February 24.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, the youthful gaffer fired a warning shot to their opponents, telling them to expect a vicious battle.
“We have prepared well for the task that awaits us ahead. We hardly know anything about our opponents but we can assure them they will not find the going easy,” Odhiambo remarked.
Odhiambo reminisced about their maiden season on the continental stage in the preceding season, saying they gleaned invaluable lessons that could help them post a better performance should they land another opportunity to hold brief for the country again.
“Clinching the silverware last season opened doors for us to grace the continental stage and we are yearning for another opportunity to gauge our potential and be counted among other continental giants,” Odhiambo stated.
“Fortunately, we managed to retain a good number of players from the squad that featured in last season’s Caf Confederation Cup whose experience will be instrumental in our campaign,” he added.
Homeboyz experienced a heart-wrenching debacle in their Caf Confederation Cup debut when they crashed out in the first round after losing 4-1 to Libyan side, Al Hilal Benghazi in the second leg of the first preliminary round. The two sides had played out a barren draw in Nairobi.
Odhiambo lavished praise on his charges for exhibiting great character in their latest Kenyan Premier League campaign, where they also stand a chance to storm the coveted trophy.
Homeboyz are currently sixth on the KPL log with 28 points, 12 adrift of leaders, and defending champions Gor Mahia who have been pitted against Denmak FC in the FKF Cup.
“We experienced a slow start to the season but somehow managed to find our footing in the competition. Our latest run attests to our level of preparedness and I’m sure the same spirit will also be reflected in our FKF Cup campaign,” Odhiambo stated.
A total of 38 clubs have expressed interest in participating in the knockout competition, including 14 from the top-flight stage, six from the National Super League, four from the FKF Division One, and 14 others from the regional leagues.
The winners of the tournament will fly the country’s flag at the Caf Confederations Cup.
ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES
(Vegpro vs Kenya Police) vs (Wisdom Soccer Academy vs Posta Rangers)
(Al Azizia vs Luanda Villa) vs (Eldoro Sports Club Villa vs Mombasa Stars)
(Marafiki vs FC Talanta) vs (Bungoma Stars vs Bandari)
Silibwet vs Sofapaka
Shalimar vs Shabana
PAC University vs AFC Leopards
Compel Sports Club vs Kajiado
Zetech Titans vs Mara Sugar
Karatina Homeboyz vs Bidco United
MOFA vs KCB
Solian City vs Kakamega Homeboyz
Bumbani Stars vs Tusker
Bomachoge Borabu vs SS Assad
Denmak vs Gor Mahia
Harvest of Hope Africa vs Ulinzi Stars
Nyamira Super Eagles vs Kariobangi Sharks
