Inconsolable Homeboyz players pour glowing tributes to fallen teammate remembered as 'pastor'
Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 10.02.26. | 18:44
The defender is tentatively set for burial on Saturday, 21 February 2026 according to Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula
Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Simon Masaka recounts the candid conversations he shared with fallen defender, Silas Abungana, on the night of Friday, 30 January, with the anguish of losing a roommate, teammate and a true friend.
The two became inseparable after Abungana was paired with Masaka, as his roommate, shortly after the defender joined Homeboyz on a three-year deal from Gucha Stars during the off-season transfer window.
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Sharing a close bond off the pitch and forming the backbone of Homeboyz’ last line of defence, coupled with their introverted nature as observed by teammates, further strengthened the chemistry between the duo.
When the two strolled to the Homeboyz camp in Mumias to prepare for a league clash against Mara Sugar FC on Thursday, 29 January, they exchanged all manner of stories before retiring for bed.
Ordinarily, Homeboyz pitches camp at a Mumias-based hotel a day before their home matches, and this was no different on the eve of the clash against Mara Sugar.
Both Masaka and Abungana would go on to play the full 90 minutes in the encounter, which ended in a 3–3 draw at Bukhungu Stadium.
Unbeknownst to the shot-stopper, that match would be the last time he played with and shared accommodation with his friend, as he was killed three days after the match in a brutal attack.
Masaka, a relatively media-shy player, mustered the courage after their Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 64 clash against Amani Youth, last Saturday in Kisumu, to eulogise Abungana as a promising player whose career was cut short just as he had begun reaping the fruits of his hard work.
“He was a calm and very promising player. We shared many stories in our room, especially about our careers and the titles we dreamed of winning together. He was good at taking instructions on the pitch, particularly when it came to marking and positioning.
Despite this being his first season with us and in the top flight, I was always confident of passing the ball to him whenever we were building from the back. He defended with zeal and was disciplined,” said Masaka.
Reflecting on the last night they spent together, the former Sofapaka custodian said he did not notice anything unusual in Abungana’s mood or behaviour.
“He was relaxed as usual, although he hinted at travelling home after our match against Mara Sugar to sort out a family issue.
He did not appear disturbed or involved in any serious conflict with anyone. In fact, all our conversations were about our careers and other casual matters,” added an inconsolable Masaka.
Club captain Moses Mudavadi joined in paying tribute to the late player, describing him as a close friend and praising his talent and potential to shine both at the club and on the national stage.
“I have lost a true friend in Silas. I think he used to open up to me more than anyone else in the playing unit. Whenever he had challenges, I would support and encourage him.
He was patient, disciplined, and took counsel from teammates and the technical bench positively. He had everything needed to succeed in the Kenyan top-flight and even play for Harambee Stars,” said the long-serving midfielder.
Remembering his partner at the heart of defense, Portipher Odhiambo struggled to come to terms with the loss of a player he had paired with in over ten league matches.
Odhiambo, who has been playing on the left side of central defense alongside Abungana on the right, described the loss of the latter as a massive blow to Kenyan football.
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“It is a big loss to the Kenyan football fraternity as Silas was a star in the making. He was a quick learner on the pitch and a gentle soul,” said the 2020-2021 National Super League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Assistant captain Estone Esiye revealed that Abungana was firmly grounded in faith and would lead most of the bible reading and prayer sessions on Thursdays.
"He was largely a quiet teammate who did most of his talking on the pitch. He was prayerful and an avid reader of the Bible.
He led the final session before our match against Mara Sugar. Sadly, we lost him when he was getting into the top flight in rhythm," eulogised the midfielder.
Team manager Boniface Imbenzi echoed Esiye's observation on Abungana's strong faith and Christian values.
"He was a humble and focused player. He believed in teamwork and gave everything for the badge.
He respected the authority and his teammates. He was our resident pastor, who led most of our prayer and bible sessions," said Imbenzi.
Young goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala also noted Abungana’s prayerful nature and his unwavering commitment to winning matches.
“I had not interacted with him much on a personal level, as I was unavailable during the first leg due to an injury. However, I remember him leading several intercessory sessions.
I watched him fight hard on match days and was always willing to learn from his partner at the heart of the defence,” said Wanzala, who played his first match of the season last weekend.
Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula says the late will be tentatively laid to rest on Saturday, 21 February.