APS Bomet's lucrative offer that convinced Hillary Otieno to ditch Homeboyz
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 19.02.26. | 19:46
For the former Wazito FC midfielder, the decision transcended footballing ambition
During the recently concluded FKF Premier League mid-season transfer window, debutants APS Bomet pulled off one of the most stunning signings of the campaign, the acquisition of attacking midfielder Hillary Otieno from Kakamega Homeboyz.
It was a transfer that sent shockwaves across the domestic scene.
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Homeboyz firmly in the title race, brimming with ambition in the quest for maiden FKFPL silverware, while, in contrast, Bomet, navigating the turbulent waters of their maiden top-flight season, battling to preserve their Premier League status, saw Otieno settle on the latter.
Otieno still had one-and-a-half years left on his contract at Homeboyz, making the permanent switch even more astonishing.
On the surface, it appeared a puzzling football decision, but beneath the headlines lay a deeply personal motivation.
The 24-year-old midfielder, fondly known as Seba, revealed that the move was anchored on a life-changing promise extended beyond the pitch.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport recapping on his move, Otieno disclosed that APS Bomet’s offer included employment opportunities for his siblings, who had completed police training but remained jobless.
For the former Wazito FC midfielder, the decision transcended footballing ambition.
“Joining APS Bomet from Homeboyz wasn’t an easy decision,” Otieno admitted. “I wanted to secure jobs for my siblings who had gone for training and didn’t get employment.
That was part of the agreement. I believe I can use my talent to empower others, and that’s exactly the agenda. They also offered me a better deal personally.”
It was a bold gamble from a player who, just a season ago, had attracted interest from record league champions Gor Mahia.
A proposed move to the league giants ultimately collapsed due to Homeboyz’ firm stance.
Yet, months later, it is Bomet, not the traditional heavyweights, who secured his signature.
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Since arriving in Bomet, Otieno has wasted little time asserting his influence.
He has featured in four matches, guiding the Green Berets to four valuable points while registering two assists.
The midfielder made his debut on Saturday, 24 January, in a pulsating six-goal thriller against Shabana FC, where he provided an assist in a dramatic draw.
He was equally decisive in Bomet’s 2-1 victory over fellow league debutants Nairobi United, supplying another assist in a performance that underlined his creative pedigree under head coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo.
Beyond statistics, Otieno has brought technical assurance to a side fighting for survival in their maiden top-flight appearance.
APS Bomet currently sit 15th on 18 points, just a point above Kariobangi Sharks, who occupy the final relegation slot, and every point could prove decisive in the relegation dogfight.
“My immediate target is to help the club retain its league status and finish in a respectable position,” Otieno stated. “After that, we can plan accordingly for the upcoming campaign.”
Next up for the Mozzart Bet-backed side is a daunting clash against defending champions Kenya Police FC on Sunday, 21 February, a fixture that could significantly shape their survival push.