• Former Harambee Stars striker Taiwo Atieno announced his desire to return to professional football in Kenya after more than a decade away
  • The 40-year-old ex-Gor Mahia forward cited AFCON 2027 and the new Talanta Stadium as reasons behind his comeback push
  • Atieno said players with professional experience have a responsibility to mentor the younger generation coming through Kenyan football

Former Harambee Stars striker Taiwo Atieno has set his sights on a remarkable comeback, revealing that he wants to play in the Kenyan Premier League during the 2026/27 season — at the age of 40.

The ex-Gor Mahia forward, who walked away from professional football well over a decade ago, made his intentions public through journalist Kevin Teya's Facebook page on September 21. His announcement has drawn attention given both his age and his pedigree as one of Kenya's recognisable former strikers.

Why Atieno Wants to Return Now

Atieno did not frame his return as a personal ambition alone. He pointed to a convergence of factors that he believes make this the right moment for experienced players to step back into the arena.

"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 said.

He added that those who have experienced professional football at a high level carry an obligation to give back to the sport. "Those with professional football experience have a responsibility to contribute where we can," he said.

What Atieno Hopes to Bring to Young Players

Beyond the broader context of Kenyan football's development, Atieno was candid about what he envisages in the dressing room and on the training pitch. He described a mutually beneficial relationship between himself and younger players, one built on competition rather than sentiment.

"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," he said.

The sentiment reflects a growing conversation in Kenyan football circles about the role veteran players can play in bridging the gap between experience and emerging talent, particularly as the country prepares to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Whether a Kenyan Premier League club will move to sign Atieno ahead of the 2026/27 season remains to be seen, but his willingness to make the case publicly suggests the desire is genuine.