Atudo officially retires from active football

Long-serving Posta Rangers and Harambee Stars defender Jockins Atudo has officially retired from active football.

Atudo who has been nursing a devastating knee injury that saw him go under the knife in September 2019, called it a day after his efforts to stage a comeback proved futile.

"I don't see myself returning to the pitch again. From the time the doctor cleared me to resume training, I have been experiencing excruciating pains after the sessions and thus I have to make the decision to quit. I have had a long successful football career and time has come for me to pave the way for others," he broke the news to Mozzart Sport.

Atudo announced his arrival in the Kenyan Premier League in 2006, featuring for the then-dreaded Sony Sugar which won the title that year.

His last match in a Rangers shirt was against National Super League side Nairobi Stima on 19th June 2019, during the second leg of the KPL/FKF promotion/relegation playoff at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. The duel ended in a one-all draw.

The hard-tackling defender had his last goal against Nairobi Stima on 15th June 2019 in the first leg of the playoff staged at the Narok Stadium, a game that Rangers won 2-1.

Atudo lastly donned the Harambee Stars shirt in a friendly match against The Flames of Malawi on 11th September 2018 few days after coming in for an injured Philemon Otieno during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers match against Ghana at the Kasarani Stadium which ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts.

“It was a painful decision to make. I wanted to hang my boots on the pitch, but sadly a knee injury and subsequent surgery worked against my plan. It was my wish to announce my retirement either at the end of the season or after a game. However, I exit the playing stage a proud man for the achievements I managed both at club level and with the national team,” he announced.

Asked about his next stop, the former Tusker defender revealed that he was keen to transition into coaching.

Atudo who is salivating on the next Confederations of Africa(CAF) level D courses frequently offered by FKF disclosed his wish to give back to society through coaching and guiding the youth.

“I have already applied for the next Caf D coaching course. It was my dream to venture into the trade after my active years and I hope I will cut my teeth into it once I complete my studies. I believe through coaching I will be able to give back to the community,” he added.

Atudo joined Sony in 2005 as a rookie and ditched the sugar millers for Tusker in 2008. He plied his trade with the Ruaraka-based club until 2012 before crowing borders to Tanzania to sign with Azam.

The dead-ball specialist spent two years at the former CECAFA Kagame Cup holders before briefly returning to Tusker. He joined Rangers who had been promoted to the top flight in January 2016.