Gor Mahia vice-captain remains adamant that K’Ogallo are capable of retaining their league title despite the recent draw.
The record FKF Premier League champions dropped vital points against perennial rivals AFCLeopards in the Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Ochieng, one of the experienced players thriving under Croatian tactician reiterated the team’s desire to play continental football next season through winning the coveted league title.
Taiwo Atieno has urged Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence to visit Kenya and meet Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy before deciding on his international future.
“In order to play in the CAF Champions League, we need to win a local league trophy. That is what we are striving to achieve and nothing short of it,’’ Ochieng told.
explained that it was better for Gor Mahia to preserve their unbeaten run, adding that a point was better than leaving Nyayo empty-handed.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will have to find another reliable local-based player in a key defensive position after the country’s first-choice secured a dream move abroad.
“We did not feel so disappointed with the barren draw. It is better to walk away with a point rather than playing for 90 minutes and leaving empty handed.’’
He, however, regretted that their opponents read their game plan, making it difficult for to break the deadlock.
‘’Our opponents knew our kind of game. They did not let us hold the ball. We, however, quickly changed our tactics and managed to make some attacks.’’
Benni McCarthy is determined to transform Harambee Stars into a dominant force in African football ahead of the upcoming CHAN tournament.
Gor Mahia are five points shy of leaders Kenya Police, who are aiming to dethrone the 21-time champions from the title. The law enforcers top the 18-team league with 48 points while former champions Tusker are a point behind.
April will be crucial for , Sofapaka and Shabana in the league while a Shield Cup date with Bandari is also in the offing.