Why long serving Homeboyz lieutenant is not in a hurry to leave the club

Forgotten Kakamega Homeboyz combative midfielder Benson Mutonyi says he will only be compelled to switch his allegiance once the club wins a major title.

Mutonyi ranks as the highest serving player at the club having joined in June 2012 from Rush United, an outfit that later rebranded to Vihiga United. 

Other players who have clocked more than five seasons at the Benard Mwalala-coached side are assistant captain Moses Mudavadi and skipper David Juma who joined in 2013 and 2016 respectively.

With Homeboyz sitting pretty on the apex of the Football Kenya Federation League with 37 points, five ahead of the second-placed Nairobi City Stars, Mutonyi who has not enjoyed regular playing time this season dreams of hoisting the crown at the end of the season and fulfil his ambition and later explore new challenges.

Previously, the club's team manager Boniface Imbenzi had hinted of their return to the Football Kenya Federation Cup after years of ghosting it, a change of mind that he said was triggered by their hunger to win at least a title this season and represent the country in the continental football.

However, according to the Caretaker Committee, the Cup will not be held this season owing to lack of a sponsor and thus, Gor Mahia will continue keeping the gong in their cabinet.

Mutonyi who revealed that he nearly quit Homeboyz two years ago after KCB and the then National Super League side Nairobi Stima tabled offers had elected to stay in Kakamega courtesy of the platform the club gave him and the management's resolve in taking care of the welfare of the players.

"I am comfortable here at Homeboyz and will only leave if we win a major title. I have been receiving offers in the past but Homeboyz has a special place in my heart. The club signed me when I didn't have much experience and I can repay them by sticking around and at least delivering the first title. The management takes player welfare with the seriousness that it deserves and has always backed me especially when I'm down with an injury or sickness," he said.

Mutonyi, an Information Technology expert who acquired the skills at Kisumu Polytechnic before joining Rush in the meantime is working hard to regain his place in the starting team. 

The midfielder has been facing competition for playing time from Sunday Mutuku and George Odiwour.