Advertisement
Ex-Harambee Stars striker Taiwo Atieno plots sensational return to football, eyes FKF Premier League
21st September, 2026 12:34 PM
Former Harambee Stars striker Taiwo Leo Atieno has revealed his intention to return to professional football, with the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season as his preferred destination.
The footballer of Nigerian and Kenyan descent represented Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), having first appeared for Kenya in June 2009.
His call-up followed a playing career across England -his birth country – where he previously featured in the English Football League for Walsall and Luton Town, among other clubs across various tiers of competitive English football.
Return-to-play programme
Having previously hung up his boots and stepped away from the professional game, the former attacker says he is undertaking an intensive return-to-play programme as he prepares to compete in the Kenyan Premier League, almost a decade since his last competitive action.
“For the last four weeks, I have been training five hours a day across isometrics, speed work, strength, conditioning, and recovery, and I am genuinely surprised by how good I feel,” Atieno stated in an interview with Flashscore.
The former player added that he feels his body is in shape for the demands of the Kenyan league, having already begun preparations.
Stronger and fresher
“I feel stronger and fresher at 41 than I did at 29. I was fortunate not to suffer major injuries during my career. But the game asks different questions. Can you repeat high-intensity runs, react quickly, deal with contact, and still make the right decision when you’re tired? That is the level I have to get back to.”
Reflecting on his retirement, Atieno opined that his decision to come back is about more than just extending his own playing career; it is also about leveraging the experience he gained during his professional stints across various continents.
“I don’t regret that decision. I was fortunate to have a professional career, represent Kenya, and experience football in England, North America, and Central America. I did not achieve everything I wanted, but I learnt more than I could have hoped for. Playing professionally in Kenya now brings a new challenge and new energy.”
Contribution to Kenyan football
Atieno said the return is about contributing to the wider football ecosystem.
“Kenyan football is entering an important period. We have Talanta Stadium, AFCON 2027 coming to East Africa, and a younger generation of supporters and players coming through,” he stated.
“Those with professional football experience have a responsibility to contribute where we can. If I’m training every day with a 20 or 22-year-old striker or centre-half, I want him to get something from competing against me. Equally, I need those players to push me towards my best levels. Healthy competition improves everybody.”
“What I did 12 years ago doesn’t matter today. I want to get physically and technically ready for the Kenya Premier League season and compete like everybody else.
“For me, there is something bigger than the comeback. Kenya has an opportunity to develop a professional football environment and get behind Harambee Stars.
Bracing for AFCON 2027
With Kenya angling to host major matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Atieno explained how the football fraternity should brace for the continental showcase and help improve player profiles and visibility.
“AFCON preparation cannot start when the national-team camp opens. It starts every weekend in the Kenya Premier League—how players train, recover, and compete, and the standards they demand from one another,” Atieno stated.
“The stronger our professional league becomes, the better prepared our players will be internationally. Better quality will attract more supporters, partners, and investment.”
