Harambee Stars Winger Job Ochieng on Growth at Real Sociedad and Learning from Spain Star Mikel Oyarzabal

Harambee Stars winger Job Ochieng has opened up about his growth in Spain, revealing how his time at Real Sociedad is shaping him into a better player. 

The youngster, who made his senior debut for Kenya in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles, has quickly become one of the country’s brightest football prospects abroad.

During the Seychelles match at Kasarani, Ochieng came agonisingly close to his first international goal when his shot struck the post before Ryan Ogam converted the rebound. Still, the Real Sociedad B winger believes his journey is just beginning.

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Speaking after Kenya’s 5-0 win over Seychelles, Ochieng praised Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy for instilling belief in him.

“My experience under coach Benni has been good. He has instilled a lot of confidence in me and given me the freedom to express myself on the pitch,” he said.

The winger also revealed his targets remain simple: “My focus is to take it game by game, get better, and see what happens over there.”

At Sociedad, Ochieng has already trained with Spain internationals and admits he looks up to captain Mikel Oyarzabal.

“I have interacted with them in training, and it has been good. I really look up to Mikel Oyarzabal,” he said.

Ochieng’s career started at Ligi Ndogo Academy, before his community fundraised to help him move to Spain at just 17. 

Life abroad was difficult, but Maspalomas coach Carlos Gaumet and club president Orlando Galindo stepped in, offering him accommodation and support that kept his dream alive. 

After a failed trial at Las Palmas, his breakthrough came when Gaumet sent his highlights to a representation agency, earning him a trial—and later a two-year contract—with Real Sociedad.

Since then, his rise has been steady. Ochieng featured for Sociedad’s C team before becoming a regular in the B side, where he made 19 appearances last season. This campaign, he has already scored a memorable goal against Real Zaragoza, underlining his confidence and maturity.