Collins Neto on 10 years of top flight experience and returning to Muhoroni Youth where it all started

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FKFPL Collins Neto on 10 years of top flight experience and returning to Muhoroni Youth where it all started

Festus Chuma 14:34 - 24.10.2023

Collins Neto's header against Kariobangi Sharks marks a decade of top-flight success, highlighting his remarkable journey through Kenyan football.

When the ball found the back of the net in Muhoroni Youth's electrifying match against Kariobangi Sharks at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for their third goal of the 2023/2024 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season, one name resounded in the hearts of fans - Collins Neto.

The 29-year-old striker, who has etched his name into the annals of Kenyan football, has embarked on his remarkable tenth season in local football circles, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

This journey, filled with twists and turns, has seen Neto traverse various clubs, each chapter contributing to his illustrious career.

From Muhoroni Youth to Western Stima, Posta Rangers, Chemelil Sugar, Zoo FC, Sony Sugar, and back to Muhoroni Youth, Neto's journey is a reflection of his enduring commitment to the beautiful game.

Neto's timely header in the 50th minute of that memorable Round 7 encounter of FKF Premier League against Kariobangi Sharks demonstrated his impact on the field, and he emphasized the importance of teamwork.

"I would like to express my gratitude to my teammates as we have been training diligently. If you observe the current state of affairs in the league, you'll notice that teams are frequently scoring from set pieces."

In an era where experienced players are becoming scarce in the league, Neto stands as a beacon of seasoned talent, acknowledging in an interview with Pulse Sports.

"This marks my tenth season in the top-flight, and when you assess the league nowadays, you'll realize that we have a scarcity of experienced players. 

"However, I want to emphasize that having inexperienced players is not necessarily a negative, but it's worth noting that many of the experienced talents have chosen to play in the National Super League."

The journey of this Nyamira Boys High School alumnus, who kick-started his top-flight career with Muhoroni Youth in 2014, has been marked by an abundance of goals that are, as Neto humbly puts it, "uncountable," showcasing his impressive goal-scoring record and reflecting his consistency and unwavering commitment to his craft.

However, Neto's ambitions extend beyond the borders of Kenya. He dreams of an international football stint before hanging up his boots. "I would love to play football outside our borders before retiring," he confided. 

Neto's journey through various clubs has been a remarkable one, as he made the move to Western Stima in 2015, a transfer that showcased his growth as a player and the fact that he has worn the jerseys of top-flight teams in FKF Premier League speaks volumes about his adaptability and ability to make a significant impact wherever he goes.

One noteworthy mention in Neto's career was the senior Harambee Stars call-up, a testament to his exceptional skills and his ability to catch the eye of national team selectors, although he may not have achieved a long-term place in the national squad, this experience remains a cherished memory for the prolific striker.

Neto's recent return to Muhoroni Youth, the club where it all began for him, symbolizes a homecoming and a reunion that holds special significance for him and his fans, reaffirming his commitment to nurturing young talents and contributing to the development of Kenyan football.

In the ever-evolving world of football, where new stars emerge and veterans fade away, Collins Neto's remarkable journey stands as a testament to resilience, consistency, and an unquenchable passion for the game, and his tenure in the Kenyan top-flight league has been a rollercoaster of experiences, with each twist and turn playing a pivotal role in shaping the player and the person he is today.

As Neto looks ahead to the future, there is no doubt that he will continue to inspire both his teammates and the younger generation of players, and his desire to play abroad serves as a reminder that his football journey is far from over, whether on the domestic front or on foreign soil, Collins Neto's name will always resonate as one of Kenyan football's enduring icons.