Kenya Police FC captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng’ has urged the Harambee Stars youngsters recently called up to the Harambee Stars squad to take full advantage of the opportunity and cement their place in the national team setup.
Head coach Benni McCarthy has handed several youngsters a chance to impress in the upcoming international friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal.
The new faces include Celta Vigo forward Aldrine Kibet, Zamalek defender Baron Ochieng’, Nairobi United defender Kevin Otiende and Gor Mahia’s promising leftback Bryton Onyona.
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Harambee Stars youngsters given chance for November friendlies
Speaking exclusively to SportPesa Blog, the defender with over 35 international caps emphasized the importance of grabbing such opportunities with both hands.
“I am happy seeing the youngsters getting included in the national team. It helps us reduce overreliance on senior players who might not have the same energy as the youth. The young players are hungry, and these are the chances they should seize,” Ochieng’ said.
He echoed assistant coach Vasilis Manouakis’ sentiments that the technical bench is using the friendly matches to rest some of the senior players, including captain Michael Olunga, while giving the younger generation a platform to showcase their potential.
“When seniors like Olunga take a break, players such as Kibet must grab the opportunity. They are the future.
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When the current generation moves on, we need a smooth transition just like we moved from Dennis Oliech to now the likes of Michael Olunga. The juniors should step up and prepare to take over the mantle,” he added.
Ochieng’ also cautioned the youngsters against complacency once they make it to the squad.
“The problem with some young players is that they get comfortable once called up. You know your capabilities, but once you are in the team, you must keep working hard.
Don’t relax and later complain about the coach who gave you that chance. Repay his trust by giving 100 percent,” he warned.
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Emulate Marcelo
The experienced defender, who has also featured for Mathare United, advised the young players to emulate Harambee Stars left-back Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, who has been a consistent figure in the team since making his debut.
“They should emulate some of the senior players just look at Marcelo. Once he got his chance at a young age, he never looked back. That’s the attitude the likes of Aldrine Kibet, Baron Ochieng’ and Lawrence Okoth should have. Take the opportunity and make us proud,” he said.
Ochieng’ concluded by saying that the new generation’s emergence will foster healthy competition within the national team.
“When they come in and prove themselves like Ryan Ogam did during CHAN 2024 we will have a more competitive and stronger Harambee Stars side,” he concluded.
The youngsters will be hoping to leave a mark once given the chance when Harambee Stars take on Equatorial Guinea and Senegal on 14th and 18th November,2025 in Antalya, Turkey in the international friendly matches.
