Former Harambee Stars goalkeepers reunite in Sweden

Two of Kenya’s finest goalkeepers Duncan Ochieng and Arnold Origi have crossed paths yet again in their careers, this time at Swedish second-tier club Ostersunds FK.

The pair, whose lengthy playing careers saw them play together at Harambee Stars and Mathare United, are now temporary work-mates abroad, all working up the coaching ladder as goalkeeper trainers.

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Origi, 41, currently serves his role at Ostersunds, while Ochieng is in his fifth year as goalkeeper trainer for FKF Premier League side Tusker FC.

Given their long history, Ochieng has now joined Origi in Sweden, purely for a professional development opportunity.

©Ostersunds FK

In his visit, which Origi has facilitated, Ochieng will get first-hand insight from Ostersund’s first-team coaching staff, just in a bid to further sharpen his training skills.

Speaking to Tusker media, Ochieng spoke of his excitement to gain knowledge in such a professional environment.

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“This is a great chance to learn from a club that has competed at the highest level, including European competitions,” Ochieng, who, in addition to observing training sessions and learning about tactical preparations, will also get a chance to watch two of Ostersunds’ Superettan league matches, said.

“The experience so far has been eye-opening - the level of detail in training, the use of technology, and the professional approach to every aspect of the game is something I truly admire. I have already picked up lessons that I believe will make a big difference back home.”

Ochieng, 46, started his playing career at MYSA, a platform that offered him a long footballing career that spans well over two decades.

Apart from his recorded 43 caps with the national football team, Ochieng played for local sides Mathare United, now defunct Mumias Sugar, Sofapaka, before wrapping up his career at Tusker.

His current role at the latter has seen him work with most of Kenya’s recent top goalkeepers, in addition to his coaching projects outside the club.

His experience in Sweden is one he expects to trickle down to the Kenyan scene.

“I am looking forward to bringing back new ideas and approaches that will help us continue improving at Tusker,” Ochieng said.

“I have seen innovative training methods, especially for goalkeepers, and a structured approach to player conditioning. Bringing these back will help us raise our training intensity, improve technical efficiency, and ensure our players are even better prepared for competition.”

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Ochieng’s stay at Ostersund’s facilities is expected to run till Wednesday, 20 August, a time the club will have played GIF Sundsvall (16 August) and Taby (19 August) respectively.