Job Ochieng Hails European-Level Quality in Harambee Stars After World Cup Qualifier Debut

Job Ochieng described his Harambee Stars debut as a dream come true, praising the squad’s European-level quality during the World Cup qualifier match against The Gambia.

Real Sociedad winger Job Ochieng has broken his silence after making his Harambee Stars debut in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Job Ochieng was a last-minute substitute as Harambee Stars lost 3-1 to The Gambia, and was handed his first start as Kenya beat Seychelles 5-0. Both matches were held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Benni McCarthy has praised the winger, stressing that he embodies exactly what Harambee Stars need for the future.

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For Job Ochieng, the ultimate dream is to earn more call-ups and establish himself in the squad. At club level with Real Sociedad, he has already made an impact, scoring once in just two league appearances this season.

Speaking after the match against Seychelles, Job Ochieng revealed that it was a pleasure representing Kenya for the first time.

He expressed gratitude to Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy for trusting him, noting that playing against The Gambia made him feel like he was in Europe.

Despite coming on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, Job Ochieng admitted that the quality of the players was great. Starting in the match against Seychelles was also a dream come true for the Real Sociedad winger.

He now believes that he will be a constant in Harambee Stars squad and will be out to prove himself every time he gets the opportunity.

“I really want to thank the coach for trusting and believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play here. The first game we had a loss here, but the second game we managed to bounce back and win,” Job Ochieng revealed.

“I’m very grateful for that. Moving forward, we have to look at that when the time comes. We knew that the game against Gambia was going to be tough, and even though we gave our best, it was not enough. However, that level was high and would match the European level. I expect to be called.”

Job Ochieng’s recent call-up and debut with the Harambee Stars have solidified his position as a promising talent for Kenyan football.

His inclusion in the squad was not by chance, as Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy had been closely monitoring him.

Benni McCarthy revealed that he keeps a close eye on the Spanish leagues, where Job Ochieng has been playing consistently and making an impact. Job Ochieng’s impressive form, including a recent goal for Real Sociedad B, made him a player of interest to Benni McCarthy.

The coach highlighted Job Ochieng’s key attributes, including his versatility on the wing, creativity, speed, and goal-scoring threat, noting that the national team needs top-quality players in that position. Benni McCarthy’s decision to call him up was simply a matter of time.