•Kenyan international defender David 'Cheche' Ochieng returned to his former club and immediately declared that he is on a mission to help AFC Leopards return to the top.
Kenyan international defender David 'Cheche' Ochieng returned to his former club and immediately declared that he is on a mission to help AFC Leopards return to the top.
This comes after he joined AFC Leopards yesterday on a short term deal as the KPL mid-season transfer window opened yesterday.
The Kenyan international will bolster the Ingwe defence that has shipped in 22 goals in 16 matches, leaving them at position 14 on the log.
Cheche, who has been in talks with the club for a week, returns for a second stint having featured for them in the NSL in 2007 and 2008 season.
The utility man, who played a big role in Kenya’s qualification for the Egypt 2019 Afcon has been clubless since quitting Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna on mutual consent following their relegation from top-flight football league in November 2018. He had earlier featured for MLS side New York Cosmos in the 2016/17 season.
He formerly played for Nairobi Stima and Tusker where he won the league and the KPL top 8 titles.
The 26-year-old previously trained with Gor Mahia and Mathare United and is likely to partner with Robinson Kamura in the heart of the Ingwe defence.
“I bring a lot of experience from playing in South America and the United States and also on the international front with Harambee Stars and I feel no pressure signing for Ingwe," he said." I am used to playing big matches with a huge audience and therefore, I bring experience to ensure this great club return to where it belongs," he added.
By the time of going to print, AFC Leopards' officials were still registering him with FKF, and KPL and he is likely to make his debut against Sofapaka in Bukhungu tomorrow if he gets the player’s registration card.
Former Ingwe star Dan Shikanda who is part of the caretaker team mandated to steer Ingwe to the top said Ochieng is a great signing that will stabilise their defence given his experience and leadership capabilities.
“We are also looking forward to bring in at least six more players as five key midfielders have been ruled out until next year due to injuries, while one striker and a defender will know their fate after MRI scans next week”, adds Shianda. He also says new coach Casa Mbungo who has been given a free hand to sighn players will know which players to release and also complete the signings after their sportpesa shield cup knock put match next week.
Meanwhile, several other signings have been confirmed as both KPL and NSL sides bolster their squads in the small window.
Tusker defender Lloyd Wahome has crossed over to Wazito FC while Kevin Okoth returns to Western Stima on a 3-month loan deal. In Mombasa, Bandari who are sweating on the absence of injured top scorer Wycliffe Ochomo, have been linked with former AFC Leopards' Nigerian striker Alex Orotomal, who is on trials at the club.
NSL top scorer Dennis Ochieng has joined Nairobi Stima from Kisumu All Stars. The transfer window closes on April 8th.