Estone Esiye: The loyal heart of Kakamega Homeboyz
.jpg)
Reading Time: 5min | Thu. 13.11.25. | 10:08
For him, football isn’t just a career; it’s his identity
When Estone Esiye steps onto the pitch in the golden yellow colors of Kakamega Homeboyz, it’s not just another day at work, it’s a continuation of a journey that began in the dusty playgrounds of Nairobi and has since grown into a story of loyalty, resilience, and unwavering belief.
The Homeboyz second captain, and one of the club’s longest-serving players, embodies what many in modern football rarely see: a footballer who values home and legacy over the lure of lucrative moves.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Esiye explained how he gained the interest to play football.
“My dad used to play football and when he went to play, I used to follow him. That’s how my interest to play football started when I was in primary school,” says Esiye.
That early passion came at a cost. While his love for football grew, his academic performance took a hit. His parents, intent on keeping him grounded, transferred him from a day school to a boarding school, a move that temporarily slowed his football progress but improved his grades.
When the time for the national primary school examinations came, Esiye performed well but fell short of the marks needed for his dream school, Kakamega High School. Yet, his determination, and his father’s intervention, ensured he joined the Green Commandos’ home, a decision that would shape his football destiny.
Finding his footing at Kakamega High School
Surprisingly, Esiye admits he wasn’t initially serious about football at Kakamega High. “I concentrated more on education,” he says. But fate had other plans.
During a holiday in Nairobi, he met Ezekiel Seda, a player from Green Commandos, during training. When schools reopened, Seda vouched for him to the coach and that simple act opened the door for Esiye’s rise.
“That’s how I made my break into the team and started playing football seriously,” he recalls.
Playing for the famed Green Commandos polished his skills, and soon after completing school, he was ready for the next step.
In 2013, Esiye joined Nzoia Sugar in the National Super League, where he spent a season before moving to West Sugar the following year. It was there that he caught wider attention, helping the team reach the semi-finals of the then GOtv Shield Cup.
His performances earned him a move to Western Stima, where he played for two seasons before injury struck. “I got injured in the second season for six months and my form dipped,” he says, reflecting on one of the hardest moments of his career.
But out of that setback came a new beginning, Kakamega Homeboyz came calling.
“I signed for two years, and that was the best time of my life as a footballer,” he says with pride. “I was playing really well, I had the confidence.”
Esiye’s consistency and calmness in midfield made him a key figure at the club. His leadership and experience soon earned him the respect of both teammates and fans.
When a move to Nairobi came, Esiye joined KCB FC for two years. But the outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted his stay, and when his contract expired, the inevitable happened as Homeboyz came knocking again.
“In 2021, I signed back and since then I have been wearing the Homeboyz jersey with pride,” he says. “Here I have everything I need and I’m having a good time.”
Loyalty over lucrative moves
In a football era where players often chase better contracts, Esiye stands out as a loyalist.
“At my age, if the deal to join another team isn’t appealing, I prefer to stay and just be loyal to my club,” he explains. “Because here I have everything I need. For me to leave, you have to convince me.”
He admits that he has had offers from some of Kenya’s top clubs. One such opportunity came right after Homeboyz lost the Mozzart Cup, a moment when he could have walked away.
“I had good offers from a good team, but I really wanted to play in the CAF Confederation Cup. That’s why I turned down that move.”
For Esiye, fulfillment doesn’t come from changing jerseys but from building something lasting. “If I can’t get a good offer, it’s better to stay here and make it home; make it a better place than I got,” he emphasizes.
Looking back, Esiye fondly remembers the 2018 SportPesa Cup in Nakuru as one of his career highlights. “It was one of the best moments. We had good players at that time, and playing against Tanzanian giants Simba and Yanga was something special.”
Another unforgettable memory came when Homeboyz lifted the Mozzart Bet Cup, the club’s first major trophy. “People didn’t believe it, even ourselves as players couldn’t believe it,” he says. “It was a good time for us to win that cup and represent the country in continental competitions.”
Mentorship and leadership
As second captain, Esiye understands his responsibility to the next generation. “The biggest role as one of the senior players is to direct the younger ones,” he says.
He notes that many young players struggle with consistency. “Sometimes you play one game and you feel you’re on top of the world. But when they see you playing well and still level-headed, they learn from that.”
For him, leadership is about example, not ego.
Despite years of service and success, Esiye’s hunger hasn’t faded. “What pushes me to keep dedicated is because of the moments we’ve had as a team. I want the new players to experience those moments too,” he says.
His goal remains clear - more silverware. “I would like more trophies in my cabinet. For now, I have the Mozzart Cup, but I want the league title. Every season, we learn and we know eventually we’ll get it.”
Esiye is also optimistic about the current direction of Kenyan football. “The new regime has gained steps from where the previous administration left. The league’s prize money has been increasing gradually, and if that continues, it will be good for teams and players,” he says.
For him, football isn’t just a career - it’s his identity. “Looking back at my journey, football is my whole life. From school, without football, I wouldn’t be where I am now. It’s everything to me.”
.jpg)
