Kakamega Homeboyz have not enjoyed the best start to their 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) season. With four games played, the team is yet to record a victory, currently sitting 13th on the league table with only two points. Despite this difficult beginning, club chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has expressed his unwavering support for new head coach Ken Kenyatta, urging fans and stakeholders to remain patient as the team finds its rhythm.
A Difficult Start to the Season
Homeboyz began the season with a 3-0 loss to newcomers Mara Sugar FC, which was followed by a 2-2 draw against league giants Tusker FC. A scoreless draw with Mathare United and a narrow 1-0 loss to Kariobangi Sharks at the Mumias Complex have compounded the club’s struggles, leaving the fans concerned about their performance.
With two points from four games, the team’s current league position falls far below expectations, especially given the ambition displayed by Ken Kenyatta upon his arrival. Despite these disappointing results, Shimanyula remains optimistic, pointing to the team’s quality of play and the need for patience as Kenyatta implements his strategies.
Here are the league standings after wrapping up Matchweek 4.
Team yako iko wapi hapa?#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/usMqyBvUna
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) September 30, 2024
Cleophas Shimanyula’s Unwavering Support
In response to growing concerns over the team’s slow start, Cleophas Shimanyula has come forward to voice his belief in Ken Kenyatta’s capabilities. He noted that the club is in a transition phase, with a new coach and several new players joining the squad. Such changes, according to Shimanyula, require time before the team can gel and deliver consistent results on the field.
“Ken Kenyatta is the right man for the job,” Shimanyula affirmed, dismissing calls for immediate success and urging fans to give the team more time. “Despite the poor results we have had so far, you can see that the team is playing well. It’s just a matter of time before the results come.”
Shimanyula emphasized that football, particularly at the highest level, requires a delicate balance of patience and persistence. He highlighted how Kenyatta’s approach is steadily taking shape, and the signs of improvement are already visible in the quality of play.
Ken Kenyatta’s Vision for Homeboyz
Ken Kenyatta joined Kakamega Homeboyz at the start of the 2024/25 season, marking his first role as head coach outside of Nairobi. The former Talanta FC coach came with high ambitions, aiming to guide the team to perform better than they did in previous campaigns. In an interview conducted in August, Kenyatta expressed his excitement for the new challenge and vowed to turn the team into title contenders.
“It is an exciting opportunity considering it is my first coaching job outside Nairobi,” Kenyatta said. “My target is to help this club do better than they did last season.”
Ken Kenyatta’s vision for Homeboyz includes fostering a winning mentality and focusing on team cohesion. At his former club, Talanta FC, Kenyatta worked with limited resources, often motivating players from his own pocket, yet still managed to achieve notable success. Now, with more structured support from Kakamega Homeboyz, the coach is confident in delivering stronger performances as the season progresses.
Challenges Faced by Kakamega Homeboyz
While optimism prevails within the club’s management, the road ahead is not without challenges. The FKF Premier League is a highly competitive environment, and Homeboyz will need to make quick adjustments to keep pace with the other teams. One of the primary hurdles Kenyatta faces is the integration of new players into the squad.
“The truth is we have a new coach and a good number of new players. It takes time for them to gel, but I believe Kenyatta is doing a good job,” Shimanyula said.
This integration process, while inevitable, has caused early-season inconsistency. Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, the team has struggled to convert chances into goals, a problem that has cost them points in matches they were expected to win.
The 1-0 loss to Kariobangi Sharks exemplified this issue. The match had to be resumed the following day due to poor weather, but despite playing on home ground, Kakamega Homeboyz were unable to break down the Sharks’ defense, further compounding their frustration.
What’s Next for Kakamega Homeboyz?
As the FKF Premier League season unfolds, the spotlight will be on Kenyatta and his team as they look to bounce back. Upcoming fixtures provide an opportunity for the squad to gain some much-needed momentum. With a combination of more training time and continued support from the management, Kenyatta is optimistic about turning the season around.
The team’s next few matches will be crucial in determining whether they can climb up the league table. With Kenyatta’s clear vision and Shimanyula’s backing, there is a sense of belief that the team will soon regain form and begin producing the results that fans have been waiting for.
Patience Will Be Key
While Kakamega Homeboyz’s start to the season has been far from ideal, club chairman Cleophas Shimanyula’s vote of confidence in Ken Kenyatta reflects a long-term vision for the team. The coach’s experience, combined with a supportive management structure, provides a strong foundation for future success.
As the players continue to adapt to Kenyatta’s system, fans have been urged to remain patient and supportive. Football is a game of fine margins, and with time, Kakamega Homeboyz are likely to find the right balance to push forward and achieve their season’s goals.
For now, all eyes will be on the club as they aim to secure their first victory of the season and begin their journey back up the league table.
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