Jonah Ayunga
{{Short description|Kenyan footballer (born 1997)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Jonah Ayunga
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname = Jonah Ananias Paul Ayunga{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/202021/efl-squad-numbering-11.09.2020.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Bristol Rovers |publisher=English Football League |page=14 |accessdate=19 September 2020}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|5|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = Beaminster, England
| height = {{convert|1.85|m|order=flip}}
| position = Forward
| currentclub = St Mirren
| clubnumber = 7
| youthyears1 = 2007–2015
| youthclubs1 = Bridport Youth
| years1 = 2015–2016
| clubs1 = Dorchester Town
| caps1 = 24
| goals1 = 8
| years2 = 2016–2018
| clubs2 = Brighton & Hove Albion
| caps2 = 0
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2016–2017
| clubs3 = → Burgess Hill Town (loan)
| caps3 = 10
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2017
| clubs4 = → Sligo Rovers (loan)
| caps4 = 21
| goals4 = 4
| years5 = 2017
| clubs5 = → Galway United (loan)
| caps5 = 2
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2018
| clubs6 = → Poole Town (loan)
| caps6 = 1
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2018–2019
| clubs7 = Sutton United
| caps7 = 28
| goals7 = 4
| years8 = 2018
| clubs8 = → Havant & Waterlooville (loan)
| caps8 = 4
| goals8 = 2
| years9 = 2019–2020
| clubs9 = Havant & Waterlooville
| caps9 = 30
| goals9 = 17
| years10 = 2020–2021
| clubs10 = Bristol Rovers
| caps10 = 30
| goals10 = 2
| years11 = 2021–2022
| clubs11 = Morecambe
| caps11 = 36
| goals11 = 6
| years12 = 2022–
| clubs12 = St Mirren
| caps12 = 64
| goals12 = 9
| nationalyears1 = 2024–
| nationalteam1 = Kenya
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| club-update = 11 June 2025
| nationalteam-update = 20:00, 15 November 2024 (UTC)
}}
Jonah Ananias Paul Ayunga (born 24 May 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for {{Scottish football updater|StMirren}} club St. Mirren. Born in England, he represents the Kenya national team.
Club career
=Early career=
Ayunga started his career at Bridport Youth in 2007 and was in the squad for the Dorset County under-16s representative team.{{cite news|title=Siblings in selection for Dorset|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9989143.Siblings_in_selection_for_Dorset/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=17 October 2012|accessdate=4 November 2017}}
In July 2015, Ayunga went on a trial at Dorchester Town and impressed the side in the pre-season.{{cite news|title=Magies: Heath hails ace Ayunga|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/13439214.Magies__Heath_hails_ace_Ayunga/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=16 July 2015|accessdate=4 November 2017}} As a result, Ayunga was signed by Dorchester Town, signing a 12-month contract on 19 July 2015.{{cite news|title=Magpies: Ace Ayunga pens Avenue deal and Nicholls is poised to return|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/13464067.Magpies__Ace_Ayunga_pens_Avenue_deal_and_Nicholls_is_poised_to_return/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=19 July 2015|accessdate=4 November 2017}} He made his Dorchester Town debut in the opening game of the season, scoring in a 3–0 win over Histon, followed up by scoring in a 4–2 win over Cirencester Town.{{cite news|title=Magpies: Perfect start to season for Dorchester Town|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/13583537.Magpies__Perfect_start_to_season_for_Dorchester_Town/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=9 August 2015|accessdate=4 November 2017}}
{{cite news|title=Magpies: Late penalty seals Dorchester Town's fate in thriller|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/13588576.Magpies__Late_penalty_seals_Dorchester_s_fate_in_thriller/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=11 August 2015|accessdate=4 November 2017}} By the time of his departure, Ayunga made 31 appearances, scoring seven times during his spell at the club. Dorchester manager, Mark Jermyn described him as "an exciting young talent" and a "strong and powerful center forward".{{cite news|title=Magpies: Dorchester Town ace Jonah hailed as a top talent by boss Jermyn|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/14217759.Magpies__Ace_Jonah_hailed_as_a_top_talent_by_boss_Jermyn/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=21 February 2016|accessdate=4 November 2017}}
=Brighton & Hove Albion=
It was agreed that Ayunga agreed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion on 31 January 2016.{{cite web|url=http://dorchestertownfc.co.uk/2016/01/31/statement-jonah-agrees-terms-with-brighton-and-hove-albion/|title=STATEMENT: Jonah agrees terms with Brighton and Hove Albion|publisher=Dorchester Town F.C.|date=31 January 2016|accessdate=4 November 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104172320/http://dorchestertownfc.co.uk/2016/01/31/statement-jonah-agrees-terms-with-brighton-and-hove-albion/|archivedate=4 November 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} The move was confirmed on 1 February 2016 for £40,000, with the transfer fee being touted as "the biggest receipt in the history of Dorchester Town FC".{{cite web|url=http://dorchestertownfc.co.uk/2016/02/01/jonah-ayunga-seals-move-to-brighton-and-hove-albion/|title=Jonah Ayunga seals move to Brighton and Hove Albion|publisher=Dorchester Town F.C.|date=1 February 2016|accessdate=4 November 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104172335/http://dorchestertownfc.co.uk/2016/02/01/jonah-ayunga-seals-move-to-brighton-and-hove-albion/|archivedate=4 November 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
He made his debut in a 4–1 friendly defeat to Arsenal U21, his coach at Brighton described him as a "good player and natural goal scorer".{{cite web|url=https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2016/february/under-21s-face-arsenal-today/|title=UNDER-21S FACE ARSENAL TODAY|publisher=Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|date=5 February 2016|accessdate=4 November 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104192257/https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2016/february/under-21s-face-arsenal-today/|archivedate=4 November 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2016/february/u21-report-arsenal-4-albion-1/|title=U21 REPORT: ARSENAL 4 ALBION 1|publisher=Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|date=5 February 2016|accessdate=4 November 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104192306/https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2016/february/u21-report-arsenal-4-albion-1/|archivedate=4 November 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} It wasn't until on 11 April 2016 when he scored his first Brighton & Hove Albion U23, in a 4–1 win over Newcastle United U23.{{cite web|url=https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2016/april/u21-report-newcastle-1-albion-4/|title=U21 REPORT: NEWCASTLE 1 ALBION 4|publisher=Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|date=11 April 2016|accessdate=4 November 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104192550/https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/news/2016/april/u21-report-newcastle-1-albion-4/|archivedate=4 November 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}
In the summer pre-season tour of 2016, Ayunga played against his former club, Dorchester Town, which saw Brighton & Hove Albion U21 won 7–0 in July 2016.{{cite news|title=Magpies: Top night for Jonah on return to the Avenue|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/14636564.Magpies__Top_night_for_Jonah_on_return_to_the_Avenue/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=22 July 2016|accessdate=4 November 2017}}
On 24 October 2016, Jonah was sent on a month long loan to English 7th tier side Burgess Hill Town,{{cite web|last1=Korir|first1=Patrick|title=English side Brighton loans out Kenyan striker|url=http://www.soka.co.ke/news/item/english-side-brighton-loans-out-kenyan-striker}} he scored his first goal at Burgess in a 5-1 thumping of Beaconsfield SYCOB{{cite web|last1=Korir|first1=Patrick|title=Ayunga opens account at Burgess Hill|url=http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/ayunga-opens-account-at-burgess-hill}} After making 10 appearances, Ayunga's loan spell at Burgess Hill Town came to an end.
On 23 January 2017, Ayunga joined Irish side Sligo Rovers on loan for the 2017 campaign.{{Cite news|title=Jonah Ayunga signs!|url=http://www.sligorovers.com/news/17/jan/jonah-ayunga-signs|publisher=Sligo Rovers Official Site|date=23 January 2017|accessdate=23 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202034124/http://www.sligorovers.com/news/17/jan/jonah-ayunga-signs|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}} He made his Sligo Rovers debut in the opening game of the season, in a 5–1 loss against Limerick.{{cite news|title=League Report: Limerick 5 - 1 Sligo Rovers|url=http://www.extratime.ie/articles/18404/league-report-limerick-5---1-sligo-rovers/|publisher=Extra Time Irish|date=24 February 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}} However, in a follow-up match against Dundalk on 4 March 2017, he was sent-off for a second bookable offence, in a 4–0 loss.{{cite news|title=Dundalk inflict Sligo's second thrashing in two games|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/dundalk-inflict-sligo-s-second-thrashing-in-two-games-1.2998360|publisher=The Irish Times|date=4 March 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}} After returning from suspension, Ayunga then scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–0 win over Bohemians on 8 April 2017.{{cite news|title=Sligo secure all three points against Bohs|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/national-league/sligo-secure-all-three-points-against-bohs-1.3042423|publisher=The Irish Times|date=8 April 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}} He went on to score two more goals against Drogheda United and Limerick.{{cite news|title=Ayunga rescues point for Rovers|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligochampion/sport/soccer/ayunga-rescues-point-for-rovers-35670214.html|publisher=The Irish Independent|date=6 May 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}} He went on to make 22 appearances and scoring 4 times in all competitions before his loan has terminated on the 31 July 2017.{{cite news|title=Sligo Rovers to ramp up efforts to land former Celtic star Paddy McCourt|url=http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/sligo-rovers-ramp-up-efforts-10884523|publisher=The Irish Mirror|date=28 July 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}}
On 31 July 2017, Ayunga joined Irish side Galway United on loan for the remainder of the 2017 campaign.{{cite news|title=Galway United striker Jonah Ayunga on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion|url=http://www.extratime.ie/articles/19491/galway-united-striker-jonah-ayunga-on-loan-from-brighton-hove-albion/|publisher=Extra Times Irish|date=31 July 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}} He made his Galway United debut on 4 August 2017, in a 2–1 win over Finn Harps.,{{cite news|title=Galway boost survival chances against 10-man Finn Harps|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2017/0804/895364-galway-united/|publisher=RTE Sport|date=4 August 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}} Ayunga's loan with Galway United was cut short after just four games through injury.{{cite news|title=Broken leg cuts short Jonah Ayunga's loan spell with Galway United|url=http://www.extratime.ie/articles/19681/broken-leg-cuts-short-jonah-ayungas-loan-spell-galway-united/|publisher=Extra Time Irish|date=1 September 2017|accessdate=4 November 2017}}
=Sutton United=
Ayunga signed for Sutton United in the summer of 2018, following his release by Brighton.{{Cite news|url=https://www.suttonunited.net/player/jonah-ayunga/|title=Jonah Ayunga - Sutton United Football Club|work=Sutton United Football Club|access-date=2018-11-01|language=en-GB}} On 4 September 2018, he made his debut during a 1–0 victory over Maidstone United, featuring for 65 minutes before being replaced by Tommy Wright.{{Cite news |title=Maidstone United vs. Sutton United |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2018/09/04/england/conference-national/maidstone-united-fc/sutton-united-fc/2817474/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=4 September 2018 |accessdate=16 May 2019}} Just under a month later, he scored his first goal for the club, clinching a 48th-minute winner against promotion hopefuls, Leyton Orient.{{Cite news |title=Leyton Orient vs. Sutton United |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2018/09/29/england/conference-national/leyton-orient-fc/sutton-united-fc/2817532/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=29 September 2018 |accessdate=16 May 2019}}
On 24 November 2018, Ayunga made the switch to fellow National League side, Havant & Waterlooville on a three-month loan.{{Cite news |title=Jonah Ayunga joins the Hawks on loan |url=https://www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk/articles/2018/11/24/jonah-ayunga-joins-the-hawks-on-loan.html |publisher=Havant & Waterlooville F.C. |date=24 November 2018 |accessdate=16 May 2019}} On the same day, Ayunga went onto net on his debut during a 5–2 victory over Maidstone United, netting Havant's second in the 35th minute.{{Cite news |title=Havant & Waterlooville vs. Maidstone United |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2018/11/24/england/conference-national/havant-and-waterlooville-fc/maidstone-united-fc/2817616/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=24 November 2018 |accessdate=16 May 2019}} Three days later, he continued his good form, netting a late consolation goal in Havant's 3–1 defeat against Dagenham & Redbridge.{{Cite news |title=Dagenham & Redbridge vs. Havant & Waterlooville |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/matches/2018/11/27/england/conference-national/dagenham--redbridge-fc/havant-and-waterlooville-fc/2817624/ |publisher=Soccerway |date=27 November 2018 |accessdate=16 May 2019}}
Following his impressive form, Ayunga returned to Sutton prematurely and went onto feature seventeen more times, scoring twice before leaving at the end of the campaign.
=Havant & Waterlooville=
On 14 May 2019, Ayunga agreed to return to Havant, following their relegation to the National League South.{{Cite news |title=Jonah Ayunga joins the Hawks permanently |url=https://www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk/articles/jonah-ayunga-joins-the-hawks-permanently.html |publisher=Havant & Waterlooville F.C. |date=14 May 2019 |accessdate=16 May 2019}} Before the early conclusion of the season, Ayunga had scored seventeen goals in the league, seeing him win the Golden Boot award in a three-way tie along with McQueen of Dartford and Iaciofano of St Albans City.{{cite web|url= https://www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk/jonah-ayunga-shares-golden-boot/|title=Jonah Ayunga Shares Golden Boot|website=www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk|date=27 July 2020}} The season ultimately ended in disappointment for Ayunga and Havant as they were defeated 2–1 in the play off semi-final by Dartford after Ayunga had given his side the lead.{{cite web|url= https://www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk/match/havant-and-waterlooville-play-off-semi-final/#hwfc_match_report|title=Havant and Waterlooville play-off semi final|website=www.havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk|date=25 July 2020|accessdate=29 July 2020}}
=Bristol Rovers=
On 29 July 2020, Ayunga signed for League One side Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/jonah-ayunga-joins|title=Jonah Ayunga Joins the Gas!|website=www.bristolrovers.co.uk|date=29 July 2020|accessdate=29 July 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729085828/https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2020/july/jonah-ayunga-joins|url-status=dead}}
He made his debut for the club on 5 September 2020, in a 3–0 League Cup defeat to Ipswich Town, replacing Cameron Hargreaves from the bench at half time.{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53955732|title=Ipswich Town 3-0 Bristol Rovers|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 September 2020}} He made his first start for the club the following Tuesday in a 2–2 draw against Walsall in the EFL Trophy, a game in which Ayunga also scored his first goal for the club to level the score.{{cite web|url= https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2020/september/match-report-walsall/|title= EFL Trophy Match Report: Bristol Rovers 2-2 Walsall FC|website=www.bristolrovers.co.uk|date=8 September 2020|accessdate=9 September 2020}} On 16 February 2021, Ayunga scored his first league goals for the club in just his second league start, scoring a brace as the Gas defeated Portsmouth to help in their fight against relegation.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55406651|title=Bristol Rovers 3–1 Portsmouth|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 February 2021}}
=Morecambe=
On 26 July 2021, Ayunga returned to League One following Bristol Rovers' relegation to join newly promoted Morecambe for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2021/july/signing--jonah-ayunga/|title=SIGNING : Jonah Ayunga|website=www.morecambefc.com|date=26 July 2021}} After surviving relegation in their first season, Ayunga was transfer-listed at the end of the 2021–22 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.morecambefc.com/news/2022/may/retained-list-announced/|title=Retained List announced|website=www.morecambefc.com|date=2 May 2022|accessdate=5 May 2022}}
=St Mirren=
Ayunga signed a two-year contract with St Mirren in June 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61662700|title=Jonah Ayunga: St Mirren sign winger from Morecambe on two-year deal|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 June 2022}} After rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January 2023 he signed a contract extension until summer 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cgrnp913714o|title=Ayunga commits to Saints until 2025|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 September 2023}}
International career
Ayunga was born in England to a Kenyan father and English mother.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportpesanews.com/ke/posts/post/Scottish-based-Jonah-Ayunga-eyes-chance-to-repay-father-s-sacrifices-ahead-of-Harambee-Stars-debut/30420|title=Scottish-based Jonah Ayunga eyes chance to repay father's sacrifices ahead of Harambee Stars debut | SportPesa Scores & News - Kenya|website=Sportpesa Scores and News - Kenya}} He received his first call up to the Kenya national team on 5 August 2016,{{cite web |last1=Korir |first1=Patrick |date=7 August 2016 |title=Tracing Harambee Stars callups Jonah Ayunga and Joshua Lelan |url=http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/tracing-harambee-stars-callups-jonah-ayunga-and-joshua-lelan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813040312/https://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/tracing-harambee-stars-callups-jonah-ayunga-and-joshua-lelan |archive-date=13 August 2016 |website=Soka}} but did not make his debut in that camp. In March 2024, he earned a recall to the set-up.{{Cite web |date=15 March 2024 |title=International call-ups: March 2024 |url=https://www.stmirren.com/all-news/5352-international-call-ups-march-2024 |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=www.stmirren.com}} Ayunga made his debut for the side on 23 March 2024 as a stoppage-time substitute during their 4–0 win over Malawi.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}
In November 2024, Ayunga scored his first international goal for Kenya in a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c98epzdmn41o
Personal life
Ayunga has a younger brother, Solomon, who's also a footballer and they both attended Beaminster School. While at Beaminster School, Ayunga was also in the school's bobsleigh team.{{cite news|title=Proud four on Beaminster School bobsleigh team|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10896089.Proud_four_on_Beaminster_School_bobsleigh_team/|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=24 December 2013|accessdate=4 November 2017}}
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 6 April 2024}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{St Mirren F.C. squad}}
{{2019–20 National League South Team of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ayunga, Jonah}}
Category:People from Beaminster
Category:Footballers from Dorset
Category:Kenyan men's footballers
Category:Kenya men's international footballers
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Kenyan people of English descent
Category:English people of Kenyan descent
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Bridport F.C. players
Category:Dorchester Town F.C. players
Category:Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. players
Category:Burgess Hill Town F.C. players
Category:Sligo Rovers F.C. players
Category:Galway United F.C. players
Category:Poole Town F.C. players
Category:Sutton United F.C. players
Category:Havant & Waterlooville F.C. players
Category:Bristol Rovers F.C. players
Category:Morecambe F.C. players
Category:Southern Football League players
Category:Isthmian League players
Category:League of Ireland players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:English Football League players#
Category:Kenyan expatriate men's footballers
Category:St Mirren F.C. players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players