Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

A football journey that began at Magemo Primary School a decade ago has finally paid off for Ulinzi Stars’ talisman, Hillary Simiyu.

This early start laid the foundation for a path that would see the promising prodigy rise through the ranks of Kenyan football, driven by unyielding determination to his current enviable status.

Speaking to People Sport, the Ulinzi Stars forward narrated his football story, often characterized by unwavering focus and ambition.

“I transitioned from primary school to secondary level in 2010, where I joined Misikhu Friends Boys High School for Form One and Two. These years were instrumental in honing my skills and understanding of the game,” Simiyu explained.

“I then moved to Sinoko Secondary School for my final two years of high school, where I sat for my KCSE exams in 2014. Even before high school, I was actively involved in football, playing for my home club, Magemo Young Stars, and Misikhu Combine,” he added.

These grassroots experiences were crucial in shaping the early football development of the now-rising star. Upon completing high school, Hillary Simiyu continued to play for Misikhu Combine before forming a merger with a new outfit.

“We later merged with Ndivisi United, forming a new team that we registered in the FKF County League. I was honored to be selected as the team captain, a role that came with great responsibility.”

Under his leadership, the reinforced Ndivisi United emerged champions in their respective league, earning promotion to the FKF Division 2 League, with Simiyu remaining instrumental by emerging as the lower division’s top scorer.

“During this period, I was the league’s top scorer, netting 18 goals. Our journey in the FKF Division 2 League in 2015 and 2016 was marked by significant progress. I maintained my goal-scoring prowess, finishing as the top scorer in the Western Region with 20 goals.”

Despite their efforts, the side finished third in the league that season, trailing behind the champions Bungoma Super Stars and the second runners-up, Busia Wolves.

In 2017, Bungoma Super Stars recognized Simiyu’s potential and approached him as the team gained promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Division 1 League. Hillary Simiyu signed for the Bungoma-based club and embarked on a new chapter of his career.

“My first season with Bungoma Super Stars was fruitful, scoring 8 goals and becoming the third top scorer in the Western Region. In my second season, I was appointed captain, and in 2018, I once again led the league in goals, scoring 18 times. The following years saw continued success, becoming the top scorer in 2019 and 2020, netting 20 goals each season,” the soft-spoken ace explained.

Mid-2020 marked a significant transition for Simiyu as he joined Nzoia Sugar FC. Despite joining mid-season, the 25-year-old scored 10 goals, becoming the top scorer for the team that season.

His stellar performances attracted interest from several Kenyan Premier League teams and clubs from outside the country, including Gor Mahia, FC Leopards, Bandari, KCB, Kariobangi Sharks, Kakamega Homeboyz, Tusker FC, Ulinzi Stars, and Tanzania’s Simba FC.

“After careful consideration, I chose to sign for Ulinzi Stars in 2021. My decision was influenced by a desire to balance football with a long-term career plan, as I knew I wouldn’t play football forever. I underwent military training shortly after joining Ulinzi Stars, which temporarily paused my football career.”

However, the highly rated striker returned to the team in 2022, determined to continue pushing himself to achieve personal dreams. Hillary Simiyu’s ultimate dream remains to earn a call-up to the national team, Harambee Stars, and to achieve success on the international stage.