John Ochieng’s move to Gor Mahia from the defunct Chemelil Sugar FC in June 2020 was straightforward.It came against the backdrop of an eye-catching performance against the multiple Kenyan champions in a league which left the then K’Ogalo coach Steven Polak chasing for his signature.Under the scorching sun at the Moi Stadium, Kisumu in an early kick-off match, the hard-tackling teenager put up a commanding show before the home support, intercepting moves against experienced opponents in the middle of the pack, and emerging tops, according to pundits.After the final whistle, Polak walked across the branches to shake his hands in rare gesture of appreciation from an opposing coach; it was inspirational for the prodigy.”I felt great, I didn’t realise I was playing that well, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. When you play against a big team like Gor Mahia, you don’t need any other motivation, anything can happen so you have to put your best foot forward,” the 19-year-old told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_6660549##But that was probably the easier part. Joining Gor Mahia, the St. Ignatius Loyola Secondary School – Manyatta alumni found a crowded midfielder bustling with experienced talents such as Ernest Wendo, Philemon Otieno and Clifton Miheso. To thrive, the lanky midfielder, who admires the former Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama as a role model, needed not only to work hard in training, but also to have tons of patience.”I needed time to sharpen my skills further and learn from the best in that position at the time, I knew I was not going to walk straight into the starting lineup so I remained positive.”Champe (short form for champion) as he refers to himself, Ochieng, who is arguably one of the best holding midfielders in the Kenyan Premier League currently, credits Ernest Wendo for helping him learn the ropes in the demanding role. How Wanyama and Origi helped Bwire overcome depression after Uganda howler”I took time to understudy him (Wendo), and he also gave me a lot of advice and encouragement.” Ochieng has played under different coaches at K’Ogalo with the latest being Jonathan McKinstry, who is barely six months old in the job. He says every coach has something new to offer and learn from.”I have learnt a lot from all the coaches I have worked with at Gor Mahia. Each coach brings in something different which is good in building your game, and helps you adapt to different styles of play.”
