For most players, a serious knee injury can feel like the end of momentum. For James Asanga, it became a defining chapter, painful, humbling, but ultimately transformative.
The Menengai Oilers RFC backrow is now counting down to an April return after undergoing a total knee reconstruction following extensive damage to his ACL, PCL, MCL, meniscus and a joint contusion. It was an injury that not only sidelined him for months but also forced him to walk away from a major overseas opportunity.
Speaking to Two5Four, Asanga opens up about the mental toll of watching the game from the sidelines.
“The injury was honestly one of the toughest periods of my career,” he says. “Being sidelined for that long tests you mentally more than physically. There were days it was frustrating, but it also taught me patience, discipline and gratitude.”
The setback happened during a high-intensity training session in 2024, shortly after the floodlights season. At first, he brushed it off as something minor.
“I got injured during training, and initially I didn’t think it would keep me out for long. But after the scans and consultations, it was clear it was more serious and required surgery. From that moment, everything became about patience, discipline and trusting the recovery process.”
What made it even harder was the timing. Asanga had secured a move to Dutch top-tier side RC Waterland, a breakthrough he had worked tirelessly for.
“I had earned an opportunity with RC Waterland in the Netherlands, which was a big step for my career. Missing out because of injury was honestly painful, especially after all the hard work that went into earning it. But I chose to take it as motivation rather than disappointment. It reminded me how quickly things can change in sport.” he voiced.
Instead of dwelling on what he had lost, the Kenya U20 youngster immersed himself fully in rehabilitation, approaching it with the same intensity he brings to match day.
“I treated recovery like a full-time job. I committed fully to the rehab process. There were early mornings, long physio sessions and days where progress felt slow. But I leaned heavily on my support system, my family, medical team, coaches and teammates.”
Throughout the ordeal, the Oilers stood by him.
“Menengai Oilers have been incredible. From the moment I got injured, they never stopped believing in me. The management, coaches, medical team and my teammates gave me patience and confidence when I needed it most. I’ll always be grateful, they’ve been a huge part of my recovery and my comeback journey.”
Now, as April approaches, Asanga speaks with quiet determination rather than bitterness.
“This period has made me stronger mentally. I’m more focused, more disciplined and hungrier than ever. Right now, my focus is on rebuilding properly, performing consistently and earning even bigger opportunities. I believe the best is still ahead.”
English