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Soy United founder on club's 8-year highs and lows after NSL promotion
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Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 25.08.25. | 16:43
Ayiro takes us through his journey with the team, from amateur to almost semi-pro level
Soy United have been promoted to the National Super League (NSL) ahead of the 2025/2026 season, after four years in the cold.
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The club had nearly been driven to extinction before decisive measures were taken to revive its spirit.
During Mozzart Sport’s week-long stay in Western Kenya, a meeting was arranged with Edwin Chahilu Ayiro, the man fondly called "Team Leader.”
Ayiro takes us through his journey with the team, from amateur to almost semi-pro level.
In the quiet village of Lumino, Likuyani Constituency, a football dream was brought to life, not through wealth or corporate backing, but through one man’s vision and sacrifice.
Ayiro, a lawyer by profession and a football visionary by passion, was born in Vihiga County and attended Kaimosi Primary School before his family relocated to Likuyani in late 1996.
Football, he says, had always been part of him.
"Had it not been for my father’s firm hand in academics, professional football would have been pursued," Ayiro recalls with a wry smile.
"We always quarrelled during holidays, I was ever on the move for tournaments and never home."
Born into a family of seven, and marked by the loss of a beloved sister who was a staunch AFC Leopards fan, Ayiro believed that he carried a spark that would later light up a village.
The act started one rainy evening at Lumino Primary School, with a group of boys who were fond of kicking a worn-out ball.
Their passion and lack of resources moved him to act and join forces.
With only a Mikasa ball and a few pairs of legendary Adidas Copa Mundial boots, the team began to take shape under his guidance.
Soon after, uniforms, training bibs, and proper equipment were provided, a gesture that galvanised the boys and saw Lumino FC evolve into what is now known as Soy United Football Club.
From local tournaments, the team climbed into Division Two, then Division One, and eventually reached the National Super League.
At their first time of asking, Soy were promoted alongside Mully Children Family (MCF) in the 2019/2020 campaign.
The journey, however, was not without turbulence.
During the Caretaker Committee transition, the season was nullified, and the club was relegated and left inactive for a year.
"That was the toughest year in our history," Ayiro reflects.
"Heavy investment had been made only for the league to be reset without consulting clubs. It was painful but necessary. The break was used to rethink our model and create a plan for sustainability."
Today, Soy United find themselves back in the National Super League, one step away from the FKF Premier League.
Their eight-year journey has been built on humility, hard work, and a clear vision.
Their promotion was confirmed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) at the start of July, and as the champions of Zone B, they join Compel and Kabati Youth in the second tier.
"If life were to be laid down for something, it would be to make history with this club," he says with quiet conviction.
"From a village dream to a national league status, that will be historic. With a corporate sponsor on board, a greater dream can be pursued."
Pre-season preparations have been set in motion with new players, a revamped home ground, and the prospect of a new technical bench.
According to the draft released by the FKF Leagues and Competition Committee, Soy are set to host home matches in Eldoret.
Eldoret Showgrounds, where Soy are likely to host home games"The goal remains to stay focused, stay humble, and position the team for a defining season that could result in three consecutive promotions across three divisions."
The balancing act between club duties and his legal consultancy work is one Ayiro has become accustomed to.
His time is split between Western Kenya and Nairobi, with late-night hours, long drives, and prompt flights forming part of the routine.
"Running a team and living a normal life calls for sacrifice," he admits.
"If I’m in Soy, it means long nights with my laptop; if in Nairobi, it means more client hours while staying in touch with the team. But the players, technical bench, staff, and fans make it bearable."
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