The experienced tactician returned to the Kakamega-based club in July after the departure of Patrick Odhiambo, stepping into the dugout after previously serving as the club’s technical director.
Manoah’s appointment comes at a time when Homeboyz are undertaking one of their biggest squad transformations in recent years, with chairman Cleophas Shimanyula backing a major recruitment drive aimed at turning the club into serious title contenders.
The team began pre-season preparations on July 5, with the new technical bench focusing on rebuilding the squad, improving tactical organisation and creating a winning mentality.
“We know the expectations at Kakamega Homeboyz are very high, and we have accepted the challenge ahead of us,” Manoah said. “This is a club with ambition, and our responsibility is to create a team that can compete at the highest level.”
Homeboyz finished sixth in the previous FKF Premier League campaign with 49 points, but the club’s management believes the gap between them and the top teams can be closed with the right investment and planning.
Manoah said the rebuilding process requires patience but insisted the club’s ambitions remain clear.
“We are not rebuilding just for the sake of participating. We want to compete, and we want to compete for trophies,” he said. “Every player coming into this team must understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the Homeboyz shirt.”
Homeboyz have moved quickly in the transfer market, bringing in several experienced players as they seek to add quality and leadership to the squad.
Among the new arrivals are Tanzanian striker Ibrahim Joshua, defender Charles Momanyi, left-back Geoffrey Ochieng, forward Timothy Ndayala and midfielder Clement Imbayi.
Manoah believes the experience of the new signings will be crucial as Homeboyz seek consistency throughout the long league campaign.
“We have brought in players who understand what it takes to compete in top-level football,” he said. “Experience is important because young players need guidance both on and off the pitch.”
The recruitment drive has also seen several established players leave the club, including striker Moses Shumah, who joined Zambian side Power Dynamos, Oliver Majaka, Henry Omollo and midfielder Estone Esiye, who moved to Kenya Police FC.
Manoah said departures were part of the club’s strategy to create a squad built around commitment and hunger.
“Every decision we make is based on what is best for the team,” he explained. “Players must show the right attitude, discipline and desire because those are the values we want to build at this club.”
The coach has also warned that reputation alone will not guarantee anyone a place in his squad.
“Football rewards performance. Nobody will be selected because of their name or history,” Manoah said. “The players who show commitment every day in training will give themselves the best chance to play.”
The new-look technical bench, which includes assistant coach Duncan Omondi, goalkeeper coach John Waw and team manager Boniface Imbenzi, has been working on improving the team’s structure through friendly matches during pre-season.
Manoah believes the early preparations will help the players understand his philosophy before the league begins.
“We are taking every training session seriously because this is where the foundation of the season is built,” he said. “The players must understand our approach, our demands and our identity as a team.”
The coach has also called for patience from supporters as the new-look squad settles. “I understand the fans want immediate results, and that is normal because they love this club,” Manoah said.
“But building a strong team takes commitment from everyone, and we need their support as we go through this process.”
With reigning champions Gor Mahia setting the benchmark in Kenyan football, Homeboyz know the challenge ahead will be demanding.
However, Manoah remains confident that the club has the ingredients needed to compete. “We respect every opponent, but we are not afraid of anyone,” he said. “Our target is to fight in every match, improve every week and give Kakamega Homeboyz supporters a team they can be proud of.”
As the new season approaches, Manoah’s mission is clear: transform a promising club into a genuine force capable of fighting for the biggest prize in Kenyan football.
