Ochieng' prepares for life after football

Sofapaka's keeper Duncan Ochieng in action during their finals against Sofapaka on 2-02-2014 at Nyayo Stadium.Photo/Dennis Okeyo

 

Former Kenyan international appointed Bet Kisure ambassador.

Though old age is inevitable, seeing footballers wither away as they get into their sunset days is a sad thing to envisage.

But unlike his peers and teammates, who hurriedly call it a day just as they hit 30, and even without proper post-football life plans, former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng' is enjoying his two-year ambassadorial role with betting firm, Bet Kisure.

Ochieng', 40, who won over 60 caps for Kenya since his debut while a Form Two student under the late Reinhard Fabisch, is now in his third decade in the Kenyan Premier League.

Even as many think it is time for him to exit the scene and join his age-mates (John Mururi, John Barasa and Tom Ogweno) either in the dugout or terraces, the widely-travelled Tusker goalkeeper-cum trainer commits himself on the pitch.

Despite taking a back seat with the arrival of top choice goalkeeper Patrick Matasi at the Ruaraka-based side, Ochieng' is still making contributions to the game thanks to his recent partnership with the gaming company. 

The betting firm has already conducted three football clinics in Kangemi, Kawangware and Baba Dogo.

"I feel honored to be part of this great initiative of giving back to the society. This is exactly where I started from," Ochieng' told Standard Sports after Sunday's clinic at Baba Dogo Sports ground.

"I'm impressed with the quality of players I've seen in the last three clinics that we've conducted. But for us to be successful as a country, we need to scout players and develop them in age groups."

"We must invest in youth structures and let players come through the ranks."

"We had similar structures under the late Fabisch and that's why we flourished during his tenure."

Asked if he is planning to hang up his gloves, the former Mathare United, Mumias Sugar (defunct), Sông Lam Ngh? An (Vietnam), IK Sleipner (Sweden) and Sofapaka shot-stopper said;

"These players look up to me and my presence is an inspiration to them. I still contribute to the team without necessarily stepping onto the pitch. So, I have no desire or plans of retiring anytime soon."

Bet Kisure Operations Manager Timothy Morogo and Business Development Manager Anastasia Musyoka said the company chose Ochieng' as their ambassador because they share the same vision.

"This is a new betting firm and we decided to partner with Ochieng' (Duncan) because we share the view of supporting talent and giving back to the society. It's a long term partnership," Musyoka said.

"Beside sports, we want to inspire and make an impact on the players. We've offered casual employment to 30 footballers."