Though he is yet to earn a national team call-up save for under-23 inclusions, Mathare United’s most recent addition, Brian Ochieng, is vying for a berth in the Harambee Stars squad for the next CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).Ochieng’s principal goal since joining Mathare United has been to compete in the August locally based assembled players championship.##NAJAVA_MECA_8710601##Rio, as he is affectionately known in football circles, feels that with more playing time, he will reincarnate his lost form after missing action in his latter days while at KCB and be ready to represent the country.Kenya will co-host the tournament’s eighth edition alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.The 2025 championship was originally scheduled for February but was moved to August to allow for the completion of leagues across the continent.”After securing a move to Mathare United, I am now focused on making the Harambee Stars CHAN roster. “I am confident that with more minutes under my belt, I will regain my confidence and mojo, which will allow me to represent my country in August,” Ochieng told Mozzart Sport.Muluya on why Kariobangi Sharks struggled to break down Posta RangersAdditionally, the former KCB captain hopes to help Mathare finish in a good position.The 2008 champions are now 16th in the table, with 22 points from 21 league games, four points above the relegation zone.”The team is not in a good situation, and leaving the league in a better position is one of my other goals. I am looking forward to assisting the club in avoiding relegation and ensuring a successful run to the last day,” he added.The former FC Talanta defensive midfielder also divulged on John Kamua’s factor in his decision to join Mathare United.🎥HIGHLIGHTS: Shabana FC 0-0 Mathare United#Pepeta #FootballKE #FKFPL pic.twitter.com/Bx6yba7vup— Pepeta (@pepeta_ke) February 16, 2025 Ochieng acknowledged having a great working connection with coach Kamau in the two times he has been under the Harambee Stars assistant coach’s tutelage.They previously worked together at FC Talanta and KCB.”It was a simple decision to join Mathare because I had previously worked with him, ‘Coach Kamau,’ and he knows my style of play. This will be our third meeting, and I am excited to repay the trust he has placed in me,” he said.
