- They face Libyan side Al Hilal at Nyayo Stadium
- This is the first leg of the preliminary round
- They are playing continental football for the first time ever
Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo is confident that the team can make a positive start in their CAF Confederation Cup debut, when they take on Libya’s Al Hilal Benghazi in the first leg of the preliminary round at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
Odhiambo says the team has prepared well, and despite their lack of experience in Continental championships, believes they are in the right mental frame to battle for a good result from the first leg.
The coach says they expect a tough duel from the Libyans, but reckons they can take a good result off the home leg before finishing the job in Benghazi next weekend.
“We are very well prepared as a team and everyone is focused. It is our first time to play in this competition and there is no pressure. The players are as a matter of fact really looking forward to the duel,” Odhiambo says.
Quality team
Kakamega Homeboyz during a training session
He adds; “They are a good side because they have qualified to play in this competition. We expect a difficult match but as a team we are ready. The aim is to win at home which will give us a comfortable space heading into the return tie,” added the tactician.
The same sentiments are echoed by skipper Moses Mudavadi, who says the players are living their dreams of playing in the Continent for the first time ever.
“We have to focus on getting a good result at home. We are ready to give our best and we just want to ask the fans to come out and support us because we will be representing Kenya, and not playing as Homeboyz,” he stated.
The midfielder, one of the longest serving players in the team, says it is a dream come true and a massive achievement for the team to get to Continental heights.
“We are not a big club but over the last 10 years, we have shown so much. Personally, it is a great achievement and for the team as well. We are determined to make the best out of this opportunity,” noted Mudavadi.
Lack international experience
Kakamega Homeboyz during a training session
Not many of the players in the team have had international exposure, but one of those who has experience playing high pressure games is goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, who has featured for the national team and has spent four years playing in Tanzania, including for giants Yanga.
“In such games, experience is a good thing and I will use mine to guide my teammates so that we do well. We are determined to go all the way to the group stages. We know we don’t have much experience but that is why it is a team sport and we will support each other to achieve our dream,” stated the custodian.
The game will be played on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium, at 3pm.
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