- Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has explained what led him to call up Job Ochieng.
- Ochieng, 22, plays for Spanish side Real Sociedad B, and this is his first national team call-up.
- He is one of only 10 overseas-based players in the squad set to face The Gambia on Friday, September 5, and Seychelles on September 9.
Job Nguono Ochieng is a decorated Kenyan footballer playing for the Real Sociedad B. He is a midfielder best known for quick footwork and impressive goal-scoring abilities. His ability to learn fast, promising future and agility have made the Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy to call the rising winger to the national team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
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Addressing the press on Monday, September 1, during their first training session at the Utalii grounds, McCarthy explained how Ochieng’s maiden call-up came to be.
I keep a close eye on La Liga and the Spanish second division and the Championship because I have ex-teammates who are now coaching there.
So all the Kenyans who are available for the national team, we try to monitor and see how they are progressing and Job is a player that I have been watching very closely because Real Sociedad’s second team are very strong and they are playing in a demanding league.”
Reason behind Job Ochieng’s maiden Harambee Stars call-up
The former Manchester United forward coach elaborated that his decision to include the 22-year-old in his squad is due to his versatility on the wing, his creativity and the consistent playing time he has been receiving at his club.
We had to pick the strongest squad we can and Job was playing regularly for his team and he scored in his last game as well.
He is a player who was on our radar. He plays on the wing, which is a position where we need top-quality players. It was a matter of time before I was going to call him up and the time is right now,” McCarthy explained.
McCarthy on whether Adrine Kibet was considered
The former FC Porto player further added that he was interested in calling up Adrine Kibet, who recently joined Celta Vigo, but stated that the player has not yet had enough game time.
He emphasized that he still wants to win the remaining matches, as anything can happen in the world of football.
“Also, at Celta Vigo, Kibet hasn’t really had much opportunity with the team yet, and he is still young. I don’t want to rush the boy because, I’m trying to accumulate as many points as possible. In life, there are surprises you never know.
The top teams, Ivory Coast and Gabon, have been doing exceptionally well, but they might drop points in some matches. If we win the remaining games, you put yourself back in contention.”
Harambee Stars final squad
Goalkeepers:
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders:
Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Aboud Omar, Lewis Bandi
Midfielders:
Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Manzur Suleiman, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley Omondi, Marvin Nabwire
Wingers:
Emmanuel Osoro, William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers:
Michael Olunga (Captain), Ryan Ogama