Ochieng’ was called up to the Harambee Stars squad last November after a series of impressive displays for Gor Mahia.
Gor Mahia vice captain Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng has opened up on the details of his conversation with Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat during the side’s last international assignments last November.
Ochieng was given a maiden call up after impressing at Gor Mahia, and even tough he took part in a couple of sessions with the team, did not make the final squad as the team jetted out to Gabon and then Ivory Coast for their matches against the Panthers and Seychelles.
The energetic fullback has now opened up on the details of his conversation with the former Eintracht Frankfurt director of football.
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“Every coach has his plans. I am grateful that the hard work I put in earned me God’s recognition to get into the national team,” Ochieng said.
“I am also grateful for my teammates because you cannot make it alone. I got the opportunity to train with the team even though I did not travel but I learnt a lot.”
Ochieng has revealed he learnt alot during his few sessions with the side, adding that there are things about his game he has since learnt to improve about his game.
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“I am working on improving those things I learnt because coach Firat told me to work on them. When there is a next call up and if I get the opportunity to be part of the squad again, maybe he will get to see that indeed, there is a change to how I play.”
Asked what the specific attributes were, Ochieng opted to be cagey.
“Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and that is why we form the team and we mitigate each others’ weaknesses while complimenting each other.”
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Looking ahead, Ochieng remains optimistic about future opportunities with the national team. He believes that continued dedication and improvement in his game will eventually catch the coach's attention.
As he strives to elevate his performance, Ochieng looks forward to the possibility of contributing positively to the squad and demonstrating the evolution in his playing style during subsequent call-ups.
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