Kenya U20 right-back Baron Ochieng’ was enchanted after captaining Sofapaka FC to victory over KCB over the weekend in the FKF Premier League.
The youngster, who has recently been named as the club’s assistant captain, was handed the armband in the absence of veteran midfielder and club legend Humphrey Mieno and did justice to himself by providing an assist for Jack Ong’anya’s goal.
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Speaking to Pepeta about leading the team, Ochieng’ said, “It’s a privilege leading my teammates and an honour to be one of the club’s assistant captains, regardless of my young age. I am deeply grateful. Maybe the coaches saw something in me that could inspire my teammates. We played well as a team, pushed ourselves in that match and being that a good number of us are young we told ourselves that we can do it, and got the win.”
Despite playing as a right-back, the Dagorreti High alumnus has emerged as one of the league’s top providers, registering an impressive eight assists this season. For him, creating goals is just as rewarding as stopping them.
“As a defender, an assist feels like a goal to me. My first job is to ensure we don’t concede, so getting assists is an added advantage. I feel so happy creating chances for my teammates because when they score, we win,” he explains. “It’s a morale booster for me, and it shows I can do more as a defender. I’m targeting more assists because I know the more I provide, the more we score and win” he adds.
Ochieng’ who joined Sofapaka in 2023 from National Super League side Kibera Black Stars has rapidly established himself as a key player for the club and the country featuring for Kenya’s U18 and U20 sides.
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