Former Sofapaka midfielder Austine Wahongo says he is finally ready to resume his football career after overcoming a persistent knee injury that sidelined him for much of the season and contributed to his mid-season departure from National Super League side Darajani Gogo.

The experienced midfielder, who has previously turned out for Western Stima, Coast Stima and Sofapaka among other Kenyan clubs, has spent the better part of the last six months focusing on recovery and regaining full fitness.

While injury concerns have dominated his recent career, Wahongo revealed that financial challenges at Darajani Gogo also played a significant role in his decision to leave the club midway through the campaign.

“The main reason for my mid-season exit from Darajani Gogo was financial, apart from wanting to play more,” Wahongo said.

“Looking back, the six months I took off have really helped me recover from my persistent knee injury and now I can say I’m fully fit.”

The midfielder’s return to fitness marks the end of a frustrating chapter that began during his stint at Western Stima, where he sustained the injury in a match against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia.

According to Wahongo, the aftermath of the injury proved particularly challenging because he was left to manage much of the recovery process on his own.

“When at Western Stima where I got the injury, it was tough since the club never really took care of it,” he said. “It was from a fixture against Gor Mahia but the club left me to fend for myself.”

Despite the setback, Wahongo believes the experience has strengthened his character and prepared him for another chapter in professional football.

Drawing from spells at several established Kenyan clubs, the midfielder says his journey through the game has equipped him with the confidence and resilience needed to overcome difficult moments.

“I have played for some seasoned clubs and from them built my confidence over time,” he explained. “My self-esteem and mental toughness have also improved since I first stepped into professional football. I strive to get better every day.”

Now fully recovered, the player’s immediate focus is not on securing a club but on regaining the sharpness that comes from regular competition.

Although he insists his body is ready, he acknowledges that match fitness remains a work in progress after spending months on the sidelines.

“My top priority now is to get my form back,” he said. “I am fit but haven’t been playing much, so during the end-of-season break I am solely focused on that.”

“I’ll just pick up where I left off. Mentally and physically, I am fit and that’s a huge step for a player.”

As clubs begin planning for the 2026 season, Wahongo remains available on the market and is keeping his options open regarding his next destination.

For now, there have been no formal approaches, but the midfielder says he is ready to listen to any suitable offers.

“At the moment, there isn’t a club that has approached me, but I am good for any offer that may come,” he said.

With his injury troubles seemingly behind him and confidence restored, Wahongo will be hoping the coming months provide an opportunity to remind Kenyan football fans of the qualities that once made him a regular feature at some of the country’s most recognizable clubs.

For a player whose recent years have been defined by setbacks, the next season could represent not just a comeback, but a chance at redemption.