Kevin Amwayi's football odyssey: From family legacy to Homeboyz's Benghazi battlefront

Kakamega Homeboyz's Kevin Amwayi celebrates his goal against Tusker ©KK Homeboyz

Kevin Amwayi's football odyssey: From family legacy to Homeboyz's Benghazi battlefront

Festus Chuma 14:37 - 09.08.2023

Overcoming adversity, Amwayi's remarkable path and unforgettable goals define his quest for victory.

A lone figure emerges from the bustling streets of Nairobi, the air thick with anticipation. The Nyayo National Stadium looms ahead, its lights casting a warm glow on the scene. 

In a matter of days, Kakamega Homeboyz midfielder Kevin Amwayi will lead his team onto this very field, facing off against Libyan side Al Hilal Benghazi in the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg. 

The countdown to this momentous clash has begun, a showdown that carries the weight of history and the legacy of a footballing dynasty.

Amwayi's path to this stage was etched with determination and guided by the echoes of past glories.

Born into a family that breathed, lived, and dreamt football, Amwayi was destined for greatness. His father, Frend Serenge, was a luminary in the world of youth football, and his uncles’ strategic prowess on the field was the stuff of legends. 

These tales of brilliance ignited a spark within young Amwayi, setting him on a course towards a lifelong love affair with the beautiful game.

"From my early years, the world of football captivated me, a passion kindled by the tales of my father's remarkable goals and my uncles strategic prowess on the field. Their anecdotes wove a tapestry of inspiration, molding my journey into a lifelong love affair with the beautiful game,” he said.

The culmination of Amwayi's dedication and determination arrived in the FKF Cup final in a victory that secured Kakamega Homeboyz's spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, a moment that will forever define Amwayi's journey. 

In a tense showdown against Tusker FC, Amwayi's skills  shone through as he netted the solitary goal that secured victory. 

The memory of that match, the electric energy of the crowd, and the sheer intensity of the game have become an indelible part of Amwayi's football narrative. 

"The FKF Cup final against Tusker holds an unforgettable place in my heart. The memory of that match and the goal I scored is etched into my very being. The emotions, the crowd's energy, and the intensity of the game will forever be a cherished part of my journey in football,” he reflects.

However, Amwayi's journey hasn't been without its share of challenges. A hiatus from the game in 2020, following his departure from Ulinzi Stars, marked a significant chapter in his life. 

While the specifics of his struggles during this period remain private, Amwayi's return to the pitch with Kakamega Homeboyz was marked by resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Since his arrival, he has emerged as a pillar of strength and leadership for his team, his impact felt both on and off the field.

Kakamega Homeboyz owner Cleophas Shimanyula's recent comment on Amwayi's transformation from a personal struggle drew attention. Amwayi's response, however, emphasises the present and the future rather than dwelling on the past. 

"My family plays a pivotal role in motivating me to excel in football. Their unwavering support keeps me focused on my career," he articulates, encapsulating his determination to look forward.

This forthcoming encounter against Al Hilal Benghazi holds the promise of being a pivotal moment in Amwayi's career. 

As he leads his team into the double-legged 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, the echoes of his family's footballing legacy resonate in every stride he takes on the field. 

The weight of their achievements and the torch they passed down to him add an extra layer of significance to his journey.

His father's remarkable goals and his uncles strategic prowess were not just anecdotes but threads that wove together a tapestry of inspiration for him. 

The experiences of his forebears painted a picture of what's possible, igniting a fire within him to carve his own legacy.

As the date of the clash with Al Hilal Benghazi approaches, the anticipation grows. The Nyayo National Stadium, where Amwayi has etched his name into history, stands ready to witness another chapter of his journey unfold. 

The indomitable spirit that has brought him this far is sure to fuel his every move on the pitch. His legacy is no longer just a reflection of the past; it's a vibrant story of triumph and perseverance, a narrative that continues to evolve with each game he plays.