It was a dream second coming for returning Mathare United defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng as he came off the bench to help his side to a breath-taking 2-1 victory over league leaders Gor Mahia at the Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday afternoon .Appearing for the first time for the Slum Boys since returning for his second stint at the club, Ochieng was subbed on just four minutes after halftime for injured Brian Okeyo with Mathare United leading 1-0.Though their defense would later be breached thanks to a headed strike from on-form Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla in the 65th minute, Mathare United’s backline remained solid for the better part of the half, braving the pressure towards the end of the match as Gor Mahia sought another equalizer after Daniel Otieno had scored the second goal in the 82nd minute.##NAJAVA_MECA_7060479##“This is a big win especially if we are talking about beating Gor Mahia,” Ochieng told Mozzart Sport shortly after the game. “Gor Mahia have been the best side this season and for us to come out at this stage [Kasarani Stadium] and win is such a good feeling.“Not only does this boost the team’s morale, but is a thank you message to the fans, members of staff, and everyone who loves Mathare United.”Having been in contact with his former side – that he initially joined late November 2020- for up to three weeks, Ochieng’ and the club management decided it was time for him to officially join the team, something he doesn’t take for granted.
##FACEBOOK SADRŽAJ##
“Mathare United is my home,” Ochieng stated as part of his reason to ink a deal with the side. “Sometimes as a son, you move out but your mother is always ready to welcome you back. I have been out as a free agent for close to six months and for the club to once again open the doors for me, I can’t thank them enough. I am really happy to get a chance to play again.”Another major point of attraction for him at Mathare United as he admitted was ‘the amount of talent in the squad’ as he appreciated interim coach Samuel Koko’s description of his presence as a ‘leader and organizer.’“I guess we are looking at one of the most talented squads in the Premier League here. I mean youth, speed and flair. It’s all here,” the former Al Ansar center back said. “Once you give them a platform to expose themselves, then you can see what they are able to display. Top top quality.”Giant slaying Mathare United bring high flying K’Ogalo back to earthOchieng’ also noted the lift in belief from the side – mostly from their previous wins- and also due to the fact that they had now played more games in the Premier League that ‘calmed down their nerves.’About the center back room, the former AFC Leopards player was keen on his partner in the second half – Gideon Were’s improvement and growth as a left-sided center back, describing him as a ‘talent’ and urging him to learn from his opponent on the day – Dennis Ng’ang’a who is ‘doing his job well.’With Mathare United extending their cushion over Nairobi City Stars in 16th to three points, the plan was clear as per Ochieng that survival was the biggest goal for them before looking up to a potential top half finish.“To the fans already making an impact, keep boosting our players,” Ochieng mentioned, referring to the sizable crowd that was applauding the team at full time. “Lets keep believing and most importantly, remember that nothing is impossible in football.”
