Former KCB FC captain Brian ‘Rio’ Ochieng wrote an emotional parting note as he announced his departure from the club.In a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, Ochieng expressed his gratitude to the club’s management for entrusting him to serve the club for so long that he considered it a part of himself.”It has been some journey. And all that’s left for me is to say THANK YOU!!. I have spent seven years at KCB, the club that became an important part of my life. It’s now time for a new challenge.Tanzanian club seeks refund from Gor Mahia over aborted defender transferThere are so many people at the club I need to thank: the chairman, the managers I played for, all my teammates, and the staff behind the scenes.I wish everyone at the club the best for the future❤️. I’ll be forever grateful to KCB Football Club 💚🦁,” the statement read.Ochieng had been with the Bankers for seven years, joining from FC Talanta, and was the club’s longest-serving player at the time of his departure.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609894##In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the defensive midfielder disclosed that his departure was due to the club’s decision not to renew his contract.Initially, Ochieng renewed his contract with the club at the start of the 2023-24 season for one year, which expired on 31 December 2024.”My initial one-year renewed contract with the club expired on 31st December 2024, and even though I wanted to continue to serve the club, the hierarchy opted not to extend my stay, and that led to my departure; however, I am now taking my time as I plot for my next move,” Ochieng revealed.Harambee Stars up against Tanzania in second Mapinduzi Cup clashIn reflecting on his memorable moments with the Bankers, Ochieng cited securing promotion, rising through the ranks to become the club’s first vice-captain, and staging an impeccable performance in which KCB came close to winning their maiden league title in the 2020/21 season.That season KCB finished second, albeit three points behind eventual winners Tusker FC in a tight title race.”I’m thrilled that we had so many successes as a team and individually while working together. At the time I joined the club, we were in the second-tier league and worked hard to gain promotion in 2018, and, two years later, competing for the title was an incredible job,” he remarked.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609873##”I am satisfied with my input, and to be named a leader among a group of talented teammates equally was an honour, and I am forever indebted,” he added.Despite his achievements, Ochieng also mentioned his lows at the club, citing losing to Kenya Police FC in the 2024 Mozzart Bet Cup final as one of his worst experiences.Rio had intended to experience the thrill of continental football had they won; unfortunately, Police emerged victorious, although in a tense penalty shootout.FKF postpone National Executive Committee meeting, announce transition taskforce”Last season was one of my career low points; we had worked so hard, and I was so hoping to end the year with a chance to play in the CAF interclub competitions, but that was never to happen as we were narrowly defeated by Police on post-match penalties,” he concluded.
