Homeboyz banking on new signings in KPL title push

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas ‘Toto’ Shimanyula says the club’s new recruits underline their plans for the forthcoming Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season.

Shimanyula confirmed the signings of former Tusker FC stars Allan Wanga, Noah Wafula and James Situma and backed the trio to help in their ambitious push for the KPL trophy having finished sixth last term.

“The new players together with the squad they are joining will work together for priority number one this season; the league trophy.

“We performed well last season and want to get even better this season now that we a stronger team,” Shimanyula said.

Homeboyz head coach Mike Mururi reckoned that the three players who are among 14 others released by Tusker bring with them an invaluable wealth of experience having played key roles in the Brewers’ title winning campaign in 2016.

“We have tried to mix both the experience with a youthful side and this will enable us to face our opponents with more confidence,” Mururi said.

Mururi however took issue with the 2018 scheduling, saying the league management should consider pushing the opening fixtures to mid next month to allow new recruits find footing at their new clubs.

“Most clubs have spent much of the close season on recruitment so kicking off on February 3 is too early.

“We however began our training last week at the Kakamega High Grounds as we prepare to face new boys Wazito FC in our first fixture which will be played in Nairobi,” the former Chemelil Sugar tactician said.

Homeboyz have also signed defender Smith Aoko-Chemelil and Evans Kiwanuka from Western Stima as well as unnamed ‘young talents’ while also releasing Athman Buki and Jonte Avire.

The Western-based side has lost Charles Mumanyi (Gor Mahia FC), Eric Ambunya (Tusker FC) and David Odhiambo (Nzoia Sugar) but Mururi is confident they have adequately been replaced.

Their transfer business expenditure is valued at around KSh800,000.