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In Bukiri Village, Busia County lies a once-promising football star Emmanuel Tostao now battling hardship, lost dreams, and an uncertain future.
Every footballer’s dream is to rise through the ranks, don their national team’s jersey and perhaps one day make it big in Europe.
For Emmanuel Tostao, that dream seemed well within reach in 2009.
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At just 19, the young striker was being touted as the next big thing in Kenyan football—a successor to legends like Dennis Oliech and Allan Wanga.
"I prayed to God, saying that I wanted to play for Mathare United," Tostao recalls in an interview with KBC.
"My goal was to then play for AFC Leopards in two years, and later, in another two years, to join Chelsea."
But life took an unexpected turn for the gifted player from the rough streets of Gitathuru, near Korogocho slums.
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05:00 - 22.11.2024
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Despite his talent—marked by a powerful physique, electric pace and thunderous shots—Tostao’s promising career was derailed by injury and a lack of structured guidance.
Now, at 34, he finds himself in Bukiri Village, Busia, doing menial jobs to survive.
"When I returned to Kenya from the Copa Coca-Cola tournament, I was full of hope and ambition," Tostao recounts.
In 2009, he had lit up the youth football scene, winning the Golden Boot at the prestigious tournament and earning a spot on the team that traveled to South Africa.
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17:31 - 21.11.2024
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But despite his early accolades and a stint with AFC Leopards as a teenager—an incredible feat at the time—Tostao’s journey to stardom stalled after sustaining an injury.
While many of his peers, such as Patila Omoto and Geoffrey Shiveka, went on to carve successful careers, Tostao struggled to regain his footing.
Born and raised in a challenging environment where crime often replaced education, he lacked the support network needed to navigate the treacherous path from youth talent to professional football.
"While at AFC Leopards, I got injured. Since then, I have been seeking help and support to uplift upcoming talents. My dream was to play in Europe, but that dream never came true," he said.
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16:30 - 21.11.2024
EXPLAINED: Why long-awaited 96th Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia has been postponed
The clash between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia was scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium, but it has now been postponed.
Without a college education due to financial struggles, Tostao has had to rely on odd jobs to make ends meet.
His mother Emeldah Taka, who lives with him in Bukiri village, Busia County, paints a bleak picture of their current situation.
"Now, my son does odd jobs like fetching water, earning around Ksh 100, which we use to buy food," she explained.
"When he was active in football, I wasn't struggling as he supported me. But life has changed. I humbly ask the government to support him as he doesn’t even have a house."
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07:14 - 21.11.2024
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Many fans remember the young Tostao with admiration, marveling at his skill during his short-lived career.
Despite his current struggles, Tostao still harbors hope for the future.
He dreams of finding a way to contribute to football, perhaps by nurturing upcoming talent and ensuring that others do not face the same fate.
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