Kakamega Homeboyz coach Francis Baraza has revealed his preference for players nurtured in the western part of Kenya over their counterparts from urban areas.

The seasoned trainer, who has past stints in Kenya and Tanzania, weighed in on a trend that seems to be gaining traction with coaches opting to go the remotest part of the country during their search for talents.

In his assessment, Baraza says the approach almost guarantees a profile to succeed in a diverse environment.

The coach’s sentiments come amid a raging debate over the different football profiles of Kenyan Premier League players, especially among football fans.

Many view players from far-flung regions as more hard-working and self-driven than those nurtured in urban areas in Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret and its environs.

Sections of fans have called to question the levels of dedication from the so-called “urban stars’ who also happen to be beneficiaries of good perks and salaries offered by the well-paying clubs in urban centres specifically in Nairobi.

My Preference

“I have always preferred working with players from the Nyanza and Western regions. There exists a huge pool of talent to be tapped in these regions over Nairobi and you rarely go wrong with the approach,” the coach told People Daily Sports.

To back his assertions, Baraza has referenced the case of Ben Saul, a budding star he scouted and picked from Lugusi FC during inter-school games in Vihiga county and scheduled to be part of the Homeboyz’s team for the remainder of the season.

New additions

Harambee Stars custodians Patrick Matasi and Brian Buleti, are other crucial additions to Homeboyz’s contingent for the second-half run.

Baraza has confirmed that the versatile ace is due to feature again after they completed his registration with the club.

Henry Omollo who starred in a dream debut in Friday, February 14 win over City Stars has also joined the side.

😀 | Feeling never to forget to score maiden league goal in debut league match.

First of 2024/25 FKF-PL season goal for 2023/24 NSL top scorer.

👌 | That was some pinpoint finish by our newest signing.

Welcome to Henry Omollo show🔥#AbanaBeingo pic.twitter.com/sWRKaGEXY3

— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) February 14, 2025

Omolo, formerly with Nairobi United, marked a dream bow to KPL scoring the team’s final goal in a 5- 0 annihilation of their rivals.

The striker is set to add options to a star-studded offensive line that comprises Harambee Stars prospect and fast-rising poacher Moses Shummah and Moses Mudavadi, the club skipper.

Lacking

The coach says the signings were informed by the need to strengthen the department they deemed lacking.

“They have been good additions to the team. The team had an established way of playing, so it was a matter of bringing in players to correct some aspects where we felt we were lacking here and there,” Baraza who took over Homeboyz midway through the season added.

Homeboyz has moved to seventh on the log and ranked eight points behind the leaders, Police FC.