After months of waiting, Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) right back Jefta Ochieng has finally departed the country for Sweden. Ochieng, who was supposed to leave the country in May but had a hitch with his travel documents, will be in the European country for three weeks, where he will train with a host of clubs, hoping to secure a ticket to his professional career.The defender, who can slot into both defensive flanks of the field, was identified along with teammate Omar Ali back in March during an intensive six-day training session at the M-Pesa Foundation, under the watchful eyes of Swedish football scouts. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8267269##However, Ali will have to wait longer for his chance to try out in Europe, following a delay in processing his travel documents. It is expected that he will link up with Ochieng in the January transfer window. “Omar was not cleared since we had problems processing his travel documents, but hopefully, by January, everything will be in place, and he will have his chance,” stated MOFA’s CEO, Victor Ogada. “Jefta is an amazing talent, and we are all rooting for him. He will be away for three weeks trying out with several teams,” Ogada, the elder brother of the Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, told Mozzart Sport.A statement from the club’s official social media accounts further confirmed the defender’s departure: “Safe journey to our right back Jefta Ochieng as he heads to Sweden for trials. All the best, Mr. Full Tank.”Previously, Ochieng was set to attend a six-month trial with the Swedish third division side AFC Eskilstuna, but the CEO clarified that there is no specific team that the rookie will train with; rather, he will have a chance to feature for various teams. “Jefta will have a chance to train with several teams for the three weeks he will be away.”MOFA’s Omar Ali and Jefta Ochieng head abroad for trialJefta hopes to follow in the footsteps of Olunga, the proprietor of the club, who took a similar path to glory. Olunga’s first destination after leaving the Kenyan league was also in Sweden, with IF Djurgårdens, albeit not for trials but permanently.Some Kenyan players who have played in Sweden in recent times include Erick “Marcelo” Ouma, Collins Sichenje, Henry Meja, Frank Odhiambo, and Timothy Ouma, who plays for Elfsborg. Ochieng will be working hard and hoping to follow in their footsteps as he begins his journey to play professional football outside the country and in some of the best leagues in the world.Harambee Stars prospect joins English club
