News

Harambee Stars striker Jonah Ayunga undergoes operation

Sunday, May 5th, 2024 12:59 | By
Jonah Ayunga (left) shields the ball during Kenya’s Harambee Stars training in Nairobi yesterday. PHOTO/ FKF
Jonah Ayunga (left) shields the ball during Kenya’s Harambee Stars training in Nairobi. PHOTO/ FKF

Harambee Stars and St Mirren striker Jonah Ayunga has undergone an operation on a knee injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

The club has confirmed that Ayunga, who sustained the injury earlier this month, will require three to four weeks to recover, missing the final three matches of the Scottish Premiership.

Announcement on Jonah Ayunga

"Stephen Robinson confirmed that Jonah Ayunga will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing an operation on a knee injury," the club announced.

Jonah Ayunga celebrates with teammates. PHOTO/Allan Picken
Jonah Ayunga celebrates with teammates. PHOTO/Allan Picken

However, the club noted that the injury is not as severe as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that kept him sidelined for most of 2023.

"The manager told the press that the injury will only rule out the forward for three or four weeks. It was also confirmed that the injury sustained isn't on the same knee that ruled the 26-year-old out for the majority of 2023.

"Jonah joins Hyeokkyu Kwon on the sidelines after the Korean midfielder also saw his season ended with a hamstring injury," the club concluded.

Ayunga's previous ACL injury occurred in January 2023, during a match against Motherwell, requiring surgery in March 2023. This surgery kept him out for several months, leading to his return in November 2023.

Since his return, he has made 17 appearances, scoring two goals in the league.

Ayunga's career began at Bridport Youth in 2007, with subsequent trials and contracts at Dorchester Town, Brighton & Hove Albion, and various loan stints.

His time at Brighton & Hove Albion saw him loaned to clubs such as Burgess Hill Town, Sligo Rovers, and Galway United.

Jonah Ayunga's run

In 2018, Ayunga joined Sutton United, later moving to Havant & Waterlooville, where he won the National League South Golden Boot award in 2019, scoring 17 goals.

His performances in the lower leagues caught the attention of Bristol Rovers, signing him to a two-year deal in July 2020. After Bristol Rovers' relegation to League Two, Ayunga moved to Morecambe for the 2021-2022 season. In 2022, he joined St Mirren, hoping for a fresh start.

St Mirren and Harambee Stars forward Jonah Ayunga. PHOTO/St Mirrens
St Mirren and Harambee Stars forward Jonah Ayunga. PHOTO/St Mirrens

On the international stage, Ayunga made his debut for the Kenya national team in March 2024 during the Four Nations Tournament in Malawi, where Harambee Stars secured victory.

More on News


ADVERTISEMENT