Sofapaka FC youngster Baron Ochieng is happy with the free role handed to him in the last quarter of their playoff game against Naivas FC.The two sides are locked in a two-legged promotion playoff, that Sofapaka leads in after winning the first game 1-0, as they look to remain in the top tier league.The move by coach Ezekiel Akwana saw Ochieng get involved in the build up to their goal and is confident they will seal their Premier League slot in the second leg.Our star boy Jacob pulled a pick that out moment. That was a proper banger – click & bang ❗️Assist provided by another one of my fav football artist – Andre Kalama 🥵 Baron with the donkey work. Happy to have lived to watch these new crop of young players showing their heroics pic.twitter.com/DXPYV60Kd5— Coach Ronald Okoth (@RonaldOkoth__) July 7, 2024 Jacob Onyango scored in the 89th minute to hand over a first leg heartbreak to Naivas FC who had blocked all the pathways to their goal upto that point in time.Ochieng was once again impressive for Sofapaka and was one of the outstanding players in the match.He put in a good shift defensively with his hard tackles, interceptions and breaking play when Naivas looked to attack from his side.With the shoppers looking solid at the back, denying Sofapaka any opportunity to penetrate their defense line and the game headed for a stalemate, Sofapaka tactician Akwana handed Ochieng the license to operate in a free role and occupy attacking spaces and pockets when his team was in possession and this seemed to pay off as he was involved in the build up to the goal.“I am happy with the win and my performance in the game. When we couldn’t penetrate their backline with passes, coach Akwana told me to play in a free role and help in attack and I am glad it yielded fruits,” said Ochieng##NAJAVA_MECA_8202208##Ochieng is now confident that they will perform even better in the second leg and retain their premier league status, despite facing a motivated Naivas side.“Naivas is a good side and are motivated to gain promotion to the Premier League. I expect a tough game in the second leg just as it was in the first. However, we are also determined to remain in the league. We will also up our game and ensure the status quo remains,” he addedSamuel Kapen on what he brings to the table after joining Gor Mahia on a two-year dealOchieng is ready to help the team irrespective of where he will be deployed by the coach.“I am a versatile player and I am ready to help the team from whichever position. I played the game as a left back and I will be ready again for any position that the coach and my teammates trust me to perform in,” he concluded.
