Kenyan winger switches clubs in Belgium
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 30.07.25. | 09:24
Ochieng has represented Belgium at the youth level and has received call-ups to both the Kenya U23 and senior national team, Harambee Stars, though he is yet to make his debut
Kenyan winger Wilkins Ochieng has joined the academy side of Belgian club Royal Antwerp from fourth-tier outfit Young Reds.
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The 22-year-old will be aiming to work his way up to the senior team and make his debut in the Belgian top-flight league.
“Wilkins Ochieng joins the Young Reds,” read part of the club’s announcement posted on social media.
“Wilkins is a 22-year-old Belgian born in Kenya, who spent most of his youth development at Club Brugge. He stood out in the Youth League during that time. After a brief spell in Slovenia, he played for Francs Borains last season.”
Antwerp Youth CEO Jean Kindermans praised the signing, highlighting Ochieng’s versatility and creativity as key strengths.
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“As a left-footed winger, he can play on either side of the pitch and is expected to bring attacking creativity and provide assists for our Young Reds,” he said.
The RAFC Academy is committed to developing young talent through intensive technical training, with the goal of preparing players for professional football.
One of its notable success stories is Arthur Vermeeren, who progressed through the academy ranks and went on to play for top European clubs Atlético Madrid and RB Leipzig.
Ochieng was born in Kenya but moved to Belgium at a young age.
He has represented Belgium at the youth level and has received call-ups to both the Kenya U23 and senior national team, Harambee Stars, though he is yet to make his debut.
He began his career in the youth academy of Mouscron before moving to Club Brugge in 2017.
He was later promoted to the senior team and signed his first professional contract with the club on 24 January 2020.
Ochieng made his debut for Brugge’s reserve side, Club NXT, in a Belgian First Division B match against RWDM47 on 22 August 2020, a game they lost 2–0.
Internationally, Ochieng was capped for Belgium U16 in 2018, making four appearances and scoring once.
In November 2021, he was named in Kenya’s provisional squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda, but did not make the final team.
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