Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has underlined the importance of winger Job Ochieng, pointing out that the youngster has already shown why he is a crucial figure for the team’s future.
Ochieng made his international debut in Kenya’s 3-1 defeat to The Gambia, coming on as a late substitute. He then earned his first start against Seychelles, where he featured for most of the match as Kenya cruised to a 5-0 win. In just two appearances, the Real Sociedad player has already offered glimpses of the attacking flair that McCarthy believes the team has been missing.
At club level, Ochieng has also started the season brightly, scoring once in two league appearances for Real Sociedad. His early form has made him one of the most exciting young talents to watch, both in Spain and for Kenya.
McCarthy admitted that the winger had a slow start in his debut match as he adjusted to new teammates and the demands of international football. However, he stressed that Ochieng’s qualities were clear from the beginning—pace, trickery, and the ability to unsettle defenders. According to the coach, the youngster only needs time and confidence to fully integrate into the national team setup.
The coach explained that he deliberately eased Ochieng into the squad without overwhelming him with expectations, encouraging him instead to focus on his natural game. He praised the 20-year-old’s resilience, noting how quickly he bounced back from mistakes and showed determination to make an impact.
“Speed and direct wing play are vital in modern football,” McCarthy emphasized, pointing out that Ochieng, much like Boniface Muchiri, brings an extra dimension to Kenya’s attack. His ability to stretch defenses, recover from errors, and consistently demand the ball marks him as a player with huge potential.
With Kenya looking to build a strong team capable of competing at the highest level, McCarthy is confident that Ochieng will grow into one of the pillars of the squad. Just two matches into his Harambee Stars career, the Real Sociedad winger has already won his coach’s trust and set the stage for a bright international future.
