Emmanuel Tostao was once considered a rising star in Kenyan football, destined to follow in the footsteps of legends like Dennis Oliech and Allan Wanga. In 2009, at just 19 years old, he was widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the country. Tostao’s journey seemed set for greatness. His dream, as he recalled, was to play for Mathare United, then move to AFC Leopards, and eventually join a European club like Chelsea. But life, as often happens, took an unexpected turn.
Born and raised in the tough streets of Gitathuru near the Korogocho slums, Tostao’s early life was marked by hardship. Despite the challenges, his natural talent in football stood out. He excelled in the youth ranks, winning the Golden Boot at the prestigious Copa Coca-Cola tournament in 2009, which earned him a spot on the Kenyan national team’s youth side. That moment, full of promise and potential, seemed to signal the beginning of a bright future.
Tostao’s early career was characterized by his powerful physique, electric pace, and deadly finishing ability traits that made him a standout player. His time at AFC Leopards, where he played as a teenager, further reinforced the belief that he was on the brink of greatness. However, his rise was halted by an unfortunate injury, and that would become the turning point in his career.
Despite his immense talent, the injury proved to be more than just a physical setback. It was compounded by a lack of the necessary guidance and structured support that many young players need to navigate the path from youth football to the professional ranks. Without the right resources, Tostao struggled to regain his form. While his peers, like Patila Omoto and Geoffrey Shiveka, were able to forge successful careers, Tostao’s potential began to fade.
With no college education due to financial constraints, Tostao found himself ill-equipped to pursue a career outside of football. His dreams of playing in Europe remained just that dreams. The hopes of his youth faded as the harsh realities of life caught up with him. At 34, Tostao now finds himself in Bukiri Village, Busia County, working odd jobs to survive. His mother, Emeldah Taka, paints a stark picture of their current reality. “Now, my son does odd jobs like fetching water, earning around Ksh 100, which we use to buy food,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
When Tostao was actively involved in football, he was able to support his mother financially, but those days are long gone. The once-promising footballer, now without a stable income or a home, faces the difficult task of making ends meet in a rural village far removed from the spotlight. Despite this, his mother remains hopeful, urging the government to provide some assistance, as she watches her son struggle to survive.
The memory of Tostao’s talent still lingers in the minds of many fans, who recall the flashes of brilliance he showed during his short-lived career. His rise to prominence was swift, but his fall was just as abrupt. Though he is no longer a household name in Kenyan football, his story remains a cautionary tale of how easily the dreams of young athletes can be derailed by injury and a lack of support.
However, Tostao has not given up on football entirely. Even as he grapples with the difficulties of his current situation, he still holds onto the dream of giving back to the sport that once promised so much. He hopes to find a way to contribute to football, whether through mentoring young players or creating opportunities for those who, like him, may not have the right support to navigate the tough journey from youth talent to professional success. His story, though marked by hardship, is also one of resilience, and it serves as a reminder that the future of many talented young athletes depends not just on their skill, but on the support systems that surround them.
