Rising Stars defender Baron Ochieng hopes to fully transition to the Harambee Stars next year and cement his place at right back.Ochieng has experienced a meteoric rise in the last year, as his performances at club level and in the national teams have earned him significant praise and career milestones.He made himself a name in the CECAFA U18 tournament held in December last year in Kisumu, where Kenya finished second behind Uganda.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494763##He graduated to the U20 team, which secured a ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations during the CECAFA qualifiers held, last month in Tanzania.Before making his way to the Rising Stars team, Ochieng had earned his maiden Harambee Stars call-up in June, but he did not make it to the final squad.Kenya U17 star relocates from Korogocho for safety after featuring at the World CupFurther, the performances at the U18 and club level opened an opportunity for him to try his luck with Swedish top-tier side Vasteras between July and October.Having tasted success in the junior national teams and had a glimpse of what it feels like to be in the senior team’s camp, the youngster is plotting to make a full transition possibly next year.Ochieng, who is in his second season in the Kenyan top tier, says his dream is to climb up the ladder and earn playing time despite the competition from his seniors.“It is my dream to represent the country by playing for the senior team. I feel coming through the junior teams has helped a lot in terms of my development. I want to cement my position at right back and play ahead of the rest (sic). Coach Engin Firat likes players who work hard (sic), and that is exactly what I intend to do,” he said.No Room for Complacency, warns Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees ahead of Kenya clashShould his dream come to pass, Ochieng will face stiff competition for playing time from the trio of Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, and Alphonse Omija.Firat has heavily used the three on the right side of the defense, with Anyembe being his preferred starter when fully fit.
