Homeboyz coach Patrick Odhiambo questions defensive lapses in AFC Leopards defeat
Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Patrick Odhiambo has cast doubt on the performance of one of his defenders after his side suffered a 2-1 defeat to title contenders AFC Leopards on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Mumias Sports Complex.
The tactician did not hold back in his post-match remarks, pointing to what he termed ‘recurring defensive blunders that have continued to cost the team crucial points in recent Football Kenya Federation Premier League fixtures. Odhiambo singled out one unnamed defender, claiming the player has repeatedly been involved in errors that have directly affected results.
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The defeat against AFC Leopards appeared to deepen the coach’s frustration, with Homeboyz once again conceding goals in a manner he described as avoidable. According to Odhiambo, the defensive lapses are no longer isolated incidents but part of a worrying trend that has stretched across several matches this season.
Shifting blame
Speaking after the encounter, the coach referenced a number of previous games where he believes the same issues were evident, including clashes against Murang’a Seal, Shabana FC, Tusker FC and Ulinzi Stars.
“The defenders are doing very questionable mistakes at the back. I can count the games against Murang’a, Shabana, Tusker FC, Ulinzi Stars home and away, five mistakes and one defender has made mistakes and the team depends on him,” the tactician lamented.
“I’m questioning the integrity of football in this country because the things I’m seeing are unusual. There are a lot of question marks and I will keep repeating myself, there’s a big problem,” he added.
Match fixing claims
The strong remarks are likely to spark debate within Kenyan football circles, with match fixing claims among players, match officials and technical team members in local clubs still a hot topic of discussion, especially given the seriousness of the concerns raised by the Homeboyz coach. His comments suggest growing unease over repeated defensive mishaps that he feels cannot simply be dismissed as ordinary errors.
Despite the setback, Kakamega Homeboyz will now have to shift focus to their upcoming fixtures as they seek to recover from the disappointing loss and stabilize their performances in the league.
On the other hand, the win revived AFC Leopards’ title hopes in Kakamega. Ingwe closed in on league leaders Gor Mahia, reducing the points between the two sides to one ahead of Gor Mahia’s crucial tie against Murang’a Seal on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
