- Okoth joined Police FC at the start of the second leg
- He has become a regular starter for Salim Babu
- John Ochieng has also received his first ever call up
Just over four months ago, Brian Okoth was a hugely unknown figure, marshalling the central defense of FC Talanta. But, a mid-season move to Kenya Police FC has seemingly breathed life into his career, as he has become a permanent figure in Salim Babu’s backline.
The defender has managed to bench experienced players, in former Kenyan international David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng and South Sudan’s Rashid Toha, who have both had to contend with time on the bench for the young Okoth.
His performances for the Uniformed forces, part of the backline that has seen Police lose only twice since the turn of the new year, have caught the attention of all and sundry, and biggest of them all, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat.
Firat, having watched Okoth several times, has handed the centreback his first ever call up to the national team, and is hopeful that he can battle for a regular slot.
Okoth delighted to earn debut call
Brian Okoth in action for Kenya Police FC in a past match
Speaking after receiving the news, first off a call from Firat himself before the provisional squad was announced, Okoth said he was delighted.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all to be honest. My plan was to fight for a place in the national team from next season and I didn’t know it would come this early. But I am happy my efforts in the current season haven’t gone unnoticed and this will only work to spur me on and give me confidence,” the defender said.
Okoth was lucky to have been spotted by Police coach Babu, who was seeking a left footed centre back with all his central defenders right footed. The lanky defender, good on the ball and an enviable injection of pace, fit the frame required by Babu, and has been like a glove to a hand since signing.
The defender says he is pleased with how things have turned for him in his career thus far and is looking forward to doing more.
“The progress I have made in my career is thoroughly satisfying. To imagine that I was playing in the lower leagues three years ago while in school and right now I have my first national team call up is quite something. I am confident of doing well in the national team camp and making a debut in one of the two matches ahead of us,” further said the defender.
Another player who has received his first call up to the team is combative midfielder John Ochieng who turns out for Zambian giants Zanaco. Ochieng moved to Zambia from Gor Mahia, and has been one of the key players for the bankers in Zambia, also catching Firat’s eyes.
Ochieng hopes to command regular place
Midfielder John Ochieng plays in Zambia for Zanaco FC
Just like Okoth, Ochieng is over the moon after being picked to don national colors for the first time ever.
“I have been working hard for such moments and I am glad my efforts have paid off. I have had wonderful moments in my career but I consider this as one of the best so far. The defensive midfield position is really competitive in Kenya because there are so many good players. However, I am ready to fight for my place and I will give my best,” Ochieng, nicknamed Champe said.
He adds; “My ambition is to work hard in camp and making a debut. I want to be part of the team that will be best remembered for delivering the World Cup ticket. It is possible if we believe in ourselves.”
The two will now hope to make the traveling squad that heads to Lilongwe, Malawi, where Kenya will host their two World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and African champions Ivory Coast. Kenya plays the Burundians on the 9th, before facing Ivory Coast four days later at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Stars have been training in Nairobi, but will shift base to Malawi on Sunday.
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