Harambee Stars defender outlines difference between Kenyan and Egyptian football
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 14.11.25. | 15:03
Ochieng joined Egyptian giants, Zamalek after impressing in the Kenyan Premier League with Sofapaka
Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng has detailed the key differences between Kenyan and Egyptian football.
Ochieng admits that, while Kenya has the talent, Egypt’s superior investment and organization set them apart.
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The 19-year-old Zamalek SC left-back has been recalled to the national team ahead of Kenya’s upcoming international friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal, scheduled for Friday, 14, and Tuesday, 18 November in Antalya, Turkey.
Ochieng expressed his excitement at returning to the Harambee Stars setup and revealed his ultimate dream of representing the country at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
“I thank God for this incredible opportunity, especially for us players, who have always dreamed of representing the national team. It gives me hope for the future because my ultimate goal is to play for Kenya at AFCON 2027. That would be a huge moment,” he said.
Before his move to Egypt, Ochieng was one of the standout players in the FKF Premier League, starring for Sofapaka FC.
The full-back registered an impressive 18 goal contributions, the highest among defenders and the second-highest overall.
His performances earned him a move to Zamalek, one of Africa’s most successful clubs.
The youngster, who was an assistant captain for Kenya at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year in Egypt, noted that his experience in North Africa has exposed him to a different level of football culture.
“Egypt are a step ahead of us in football, but Kenya also has the talent. If Egyptian clubs are signing Kenyan players, it shows we have quality. What we need is more investment from our management, because in Egypt, they really invest in their players.
Most of their national team stars, apart from a few like Mohamed Salah, play in their local league, so it is definitely possible for us to reach that level too,” he said.
He went on to describe the Cairo Derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek as a class above some of the famed club football rivalries in the continent.
“The Cairo Derby is a completely different experience from what we have in Kenya.People start talking about the next derby even three months in advance. The level of organization and preparation is on another level.
Even a day before the match, the excitement is through the roof; it is all about pride and bragging rights. The atmosphere is simply electric,” he said. .
Reflecting on his earlier omission from the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 squad, Ochieng said he remained patient and focused on his growth.
“It was the coach’s decision, and I believe my time has finally come. Maybe back then, he saw something in others that I did not have yet, but I never felt bad about it. We are all representing the same country, and seeing how well the boys performed made me genuinely happy,” he added.
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