Ibrahim Ochieng’s introduction into the fast-growing Somali National League proved uneventful as his new side Gaadidka took a 2-0 beating by Heegan on Saturday. Ochieng, seeing the full ninety minutes for the side, had only been in the country for a week and his side ached to have the former junior international take to the field. Having been inactive from the Kenyan top flight since parting ways with Muhoroni Youth, the combative midfielder opted to try out with Gaadidka; pursuing new challenges while keeping fit for future prospective openings he says. ‘’I had been out of active football for a while since leaving Muhoroni Youth and I felt the need to stay active again as I plan for the future,’’ he says.The lad, who has also been in the ranks of Kariobangi Sharks, admits that a moment of slow response to an event the clash against Heegan cost them the tie however much they tried to fight back. ‘’We had one of our midfielders injured at around the 8th minute and he didn’t seem to be coming back. Our opponents realised this and capitalised while we were still short-handed to score the first goal. By the time we managed to replace the midfielder we were already trailing,’’ he reveals. I’m not a victim of racism. I’m a tormentor of racists##NAJAVA_MECA_8154672##The loss has now seen his side drop to 6th on the 12-team log that recently just had the second leg wheels up. With just eleven points separating them from top of the log Dekedaha, Ochieng doesn’t think they’ll end the season out of the top two. ‘’Not to say that the league is easy but I was brought in for a purpose and I intend to fulfil it. The league winners have a chance of playing continental football so that seems to me a platform that can elevate one’s career. That’s what I want for the team and will be working towards for the entire second leg,’’ he continues. The Somali league has been a recent attraction point for many Kenyan players seeking greener pastures with such names as Erick Odhiambo and Patrick Ochieng turning out for Badbaado. Godfrey Okeya, also formerly with Muhoroni Youth, turns out for 3-rd on the log Mogadishu City FC. More are spread out in the league and there is an indication that many more players will venture out east. ‘’The remuneration here I would say is good. Even if the league itself hasn’t gotten to the standards of the other top East African leagues, there is every indication that the Somali FA is headed there. You can tell this by the way in which the national team or even the league champions fare in continental competitions,’’ adds Ochieng. Gaadidka will take on Elman in their next fixture, one Ochieng, a one-time Chapa Dimba na Safaricom national MVP, hopes to seek redemption in. The lad spent his nurturing years at Kisumu Youth Olympic centre and Kisumu Hotstars.
