For Jonah Ayunga, the road to Hampden Park has been paved with grit, patience, and the relentless pursuit of a moment that could define a career. Come Sunday, December 14, the Harambee Stars striker will step onto the hallowed turf of Scotland’s national stadium with a singular mission: to help St Mirren topple the juggernaut that is Celtic FC and lift the Premier Sports Cup.

It is a fixture that has captured the imagination of the Paisley faithful and Kenyan football fans alike. While the odds are stacked heavily against the Saints, the magic of a cup final lies in its disregard for history. For Ayunga, this isn't just another match; it is a rare opportunity to join the exclusive club of Kenyans who have hoisted major trophies in European football.

David vs. Goliath in Glasgow

The narrative could not be starker. On one side stands Celtic, the defending champions and a financial powerhouse in Scottish football. On the other, St Mirren, a club punching above its weight, looking to end a trophy drought that stretches back to their League Cup triumph in 2013.

The Saints booked their spot in the final with a spirited 4-1 demolition of Motherwell in the semi-final—a match where Ayunga was introduced off the bench to help close out the game. That victory sparked wild celebrations in Paisley, but manager Stephen Robinson has been quick to ground his squad. The task ahead is monumental.

"You’ve got to give them respect, but at the moment I don’t think we fear anyone," St Mirren defender Alex Gogic noted in the build-up, capturing the defiant mood in the camp. "The way we’re playing, the performances have been there."

The Ayunga Factor

For the 28-year-old Kenyan international, this final represents a chance for redemption. After battling back from a knee injury earlier in the year, Ayunga has been utilized primarily as an impact substitute this season. His pace and physicality offer St Mirren a distinct "Plan B" against a Celtic defense that can sometimes be vulnerable to direct counter-attacks.

While he may not start, his role could be decisive in the dying minutes. A goal at Hampden wouldn't just be a personal milestone; it would send a resounding message to Harambee Stars head coach Engin Fırat ahead of the next international window.

• Fixture: St Mirren vs. Celtic (Premier Sports Cup Final)
• Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
• Kick-off: 18:30 EAT (15:30 GMT)
• Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow

High Stakes and Heavy Purses

Beyond the glory, the financial implications for a club of St Mirren's size are significant. While the exact prize pot fluctuates, winning the League Cup historically injects hundreds of thousands of pounds into the club's coffers. In Kenyan terms, the winner's purse and gate receipts could exceed £350,000 (approx. KES 63 million)—a transformative figure for the Saints' budget.

However, the challenge is steep. Celtic have dominated this competition, winning it eight times in the last decade. They enter the match fresh off a semi-final victory over arch-rivals Rangers, a result that underlined their ruthless efficiency.

As the clock ticks down to Sunday evening, eyes in Nairobi will be glued to screens, hoping to see one of their own drape the Kenyan flag over a Scottish trophy. In a game where heroes are made in split seconds, Jonah Ayunga is ready for his close-up.