Ulinzi Stars custodian Stephen Ochieng’ is over the moon after making his debut for the Soldiers in the 1-0 win against Mathare United at Thika Stadium on Saturday.Ochieng’, who joined Ulinzi Stars from Mathare united just before the season started, was named in the squad that played Mathare United ahead of Jackton Odhiambo in the absence of James Saruni who missed the match due to illness.On his debut game, he put up a strong showing when called upon though he had little to down, attracting the praise of the first-choice goalkeeper and last season’s golden-glove winner Saruni.”I thank God for the opportunity that I got. I felt so proud for representing Ulinzi Stars. It was a bit emotional playing against my former team but I did not let that get into me because we are down to business here, I had to overlook my history with the opponent. Featuring for Ulinzi as the first choice was a dream come true because I have always looked up to becoming the first choice at one point in my life of which it happened, and I feel very good about it,” Ochieng’ said.The custodian is looking forward to the midweek clash pitting Bidco United, saying that he is looking forward to a bigger challenge after he was largely not tested against Mathare United owing to a concrete backline.”I was not involved much against Mathare because I had a super defense that shielded me well. For the match, I know it will be much challenging and I know it will be a good platform to showcase my ability. We are going to win but we should not put our heads so high at this time of the season because we have a long way to go. We have to keep on working hard starting with the next game always,” he added.For the budding players, the goalkeeper has a word and is urging them to be patient as they work their way up without giving up no matter what.”There is a thin line that separates patience and wasting time, people confuse those things. You should always be patient while working towards your goal. When your time is right, God will always give you the chance. Football in Kenya can have a lot of frustrations but never look down upon yourself. Know your strength and always work on yourself while improving on yourself. For football, it is work hard or work hard, there is no option to give up,” he finished.
