“The old Ashi is back!” – Kabras RFC speedster roaring after three-year injury struggles

“I broke my left ankle, tore a few ligaments, and had three corrective surgeries,” Ashiundu recalled.

The injury kept him out of action for an entire year. When he eventually returned, the winger slowly worked his way back through the sevens circuit before featuring for Kenya in the Elgon Cup and Victoria Cup matches in Uganda.

However, just as momentum was building, another challenge emerged.

Ashiundu returned to the Kenya Cup and managed to play four matches before severe migraines forced him out for the rest of the season.

Despite the limited appearances, he still finished as the team’s top try scorer, an indication of the impact he can have when fit.

Determined to rebuild his career, he returned during the sevens season and went on to represent Kenya at the Africa Games, before travelling to the United States, where he featured in a 10s tournament for the Elephants.

But misfortune struck again.

At the start of the 2024/2025 season, after playing only three matches, a shoulder injury once again forced him to the sidelines.

“I worked on myself through physio and rehab and eventually got selected to represent the Simbas at the qualifiers in Uganda,” he told Mozzart Sport.

Before the qualifiers, the national team held a training camp in South Africa, an experience Ashiundu describes as personally successful.

Yet shortly after returning, another setback followed when he pulled his quad during the sevens circuit.

Through every obstacle, Ashiundu remained committed to rehabilitation and recovery.

“I have worked so hard through physio and rehab,” he said.

The persistence now appears to be paying off.

After completing a full preseason with Kabras RFC, Ashiundu has enjoyed one of his most consistent runs in recent years. He has featured in eight matches so far this season and has been named in the starting lineup for most of them.

His latest appearance came during Kabras’ highly anticipated Kenya Cup clash against KCB, where he started on the wing in the match that was eventually abandoned at halftime due to heavy rains.

“Personally, it feels really good to be back. This season, I have managed to play injury-free, and that is something I am extremely grateful for,” Ashiundu said.

“The last three years were very tough for me. I struggled with injuries on and off, and at some point, I also lost my form,” he recalled.

Beyond the physical toll, the period tested him mentally.

“It was a challenging period both physically and mentally, but I kept working hard and trusting the process. This season has been different.

I was able to go through the entire offseason with the team and prepare properly, and I have played almost all the games so far,” he said.

With confidence slowly returning, Ashiundu now feels like the player he once was.

“Right now, I feel like myself again, like the old Ashi,” he offered.

His resurgence comes at a crucial moment for Kabras RFC as the Kenya Cup season heads into the playoffs.

The defending champions are chasing a fifth consecutive Kenya Cup title, and Ashiundu is eager to play his part in the club’s ambitions.

“We are now heading into the playoffs, which is the most important stage of the competition, so it is a great feeling to regain my rhythm at such a crucial moment,” he said.

“As a team, we are focused on defending our title and pushing for that fifth consecutive championship. That is the motivation driving us right now,” he continued.

For Ashiundu, however, the biggest victory is already clear.

After years of pain, rehabilitation, and resilience, he believes he has finally reclaimed the form and confidence that once made him one of Kabras’ most dangerous attacking threats.

“The old Ashi is back. And I am ready to step up and deliver for the team when it matters most,” he declared.