Atieno, 41, is undertaking an intensive return-to-play programme as he prepares to compete in the Kenyan Premier League.
Born in London, Atieno represented Kenya's Harambee Stars in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2010 and the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), and first appeared for the Kenya in June 2009.
He previously played in the English Football League for Walsall, Luton Town, Torquay United and Barnet and in the USL First Division for the Puerto Rico Islanders and Rochester Rhinos.
Speaking about the decision, Atieno exclusively told Flashscore: “For the last four weeks I’ve been training five hours a day across isometrics, speed work, strength, conditioning and recovery, and I’m genuinely surprised by how good I feel.
'I feel stronger and fresher’
“I feel stronger and fresher at 41 than I did at 29. I was fortunate not to suffer major injuries during my career.
“But the game asks different questions. Can you repeat high-intensity runs, react quickly, deal with contact and still make the right decision when you’re tired? That is the level I have to get back to.”
Atieno stepped away from playing after losing both parents.
“I lost my mother at 16 and later on my father to cancer. When my grandmother reached 96, I wanted to spend more time with her while also learning the business of law and the law of business.
“I don’t regret that decision. I was fortunate to have a professional career, represent Kenya and experience football in England, North and Central America.
“I didn’t achieve everything I wanted, but I learnt more than I could have hoped for. Playing professionally in Kenya now brings a new challenge and new energy.”
Atieno said the return is about more than extending his own playing career.
“Kenyan football is entering an important period. We have Talanta Stadium, AFCON 2027 coming to East Africa and a younger generation of supporters and players coming through,” offered Atieno.
“Those with professional football experience have a responsibility to contribute where we can.
“If I’m training every day with a 20 or 22-year-old striker or centre-half, I want him to get something from competing against me. Equally, I need those players to push me towards my best levels. Healthy competition improves everybody.”
Atieno believes a stronger Kenyan Premier League can help prepare players for international football.
“AFCON preparation cannot start when the national-team camp opens. It starts every weekend in the Kenya Premier League - how players train, recover, compete and the standards they demand from one another,” added Atieno.
“The stronger our professional league becomes, the better prepared our players will be internationally. Better quality will attract more supporters, partners and investment.”
He believes the same applies to Talanta Stadium. The stadium is under construction in the city of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and is intended to be used during the 2027 AFCON tournament.
“Before 2027 AFCON, players need to become comfortable playing there, matchday staff need experience operating a football stadium and supporters need to make it their home,” explained Atieno.
“By AFCON, walking into Talanta should feel familiar to our players and supporters. We also need an environment where families, young people and corporate partners feel welcome.
“We shouldn’t think only about successfully co-hosting AFCON. We should be ambitious enough to aim for the final.
“Why shouldn’t the players, coaches and supporters dream about making history? We now have the stage. The preparation starts now.”
‘Kenya has opportunity to develop’
Atieno represented Harambee Stars in World Cup and AFCON qualifying campaigns and understands the challenges faced by diaspora players.
“I remember what it meant to my father and me to represent Kenya. Coming into the national team from abroad requires players to adapt quickly.
“If my experience can help one diaspora player make that transition, or one domestic player understand what will be expected internationally, then there is value in me being around the game.”
In his final full professional season, Atieno made 43 League Two appearances for Torquay United during the 2011/12 campaign as the club finished 3rd one point from automatic promotion.
However, he insists his previous career guarantees nothing.
“What I did 12 years ago doesn’t matter today. I want to get physically and technically ready for the Kenya Premier League season and compete like everybody else.
“For me, there is something bigger than the comeback. Kenya has an opportunity to develop a professional football environment and get behind Harambee Stars.
“Whether I’m contributing on the pitch, from the bench, in the stands or investing in football facilities, the objective is the same. We have an opportunity to make history.”
Atieno has been out of contract since leaving professional football 12 years ago.
Under Article 6(3)(b) of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, and the corresponding FKF framework, a professional whose previous contract naturally expired before the end of the relevant registration period may be registered by an engaging club after the registration window has closed, subject to normal registration, licensing and sporting-integrity requirements.
Further information regarding Atieno’s club and registration will be announced at the appropriate time.
