Ochieng shows how it’s done: Custodian trainer mentors budding talent in Kayole

Betkisure brand ambassador Dancun Ochieng (right) in Kayole on Saturday. [Courtesy]

 

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper helps nurture football players.

Sportsmanship for former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Duncan ‘Dunco’ Ochieng goes beyond the pitch.

For him, a real sports legend should give back to the society that watched and cheered him on as he conquered the world.

Ochieng, who is the ambassador of betting firm Betkisure, conducted more football clinics in Kayole on Saturday.

The former Mathare United custodian watched as former Super 8 Premier League champions Kayole Asubuhi battled to a barren draw against Metro Sports at the Calvary grounds.

This was the fourth football clinic of the #DuncoMtaani campaign in Nairobi in less than two months after similar visits to Kangemi, Kawangware and Baba Dogo Estates.

The former Kenyan international and current Tusker goalkeeper-cum trainer has been assisting with the project, whose aim is to mentor young players hone their skills and donate playing equipment.

Ochieng was pleased with the level of talent and quality of the game exhibited at lower tier leagues.

“Just like the first three clinics of the #DuncoMtaani Initiative, I enjoyed my visit to Kayole. I believe they will benefit a lot from a programme like this,” said Ochieng.

Having began his over two decades footballing career from the same background, the widely-travelled goalkeeper urged upcoming players to be of good morals and remain focused.

“For you to realise your football dreams, you must be disciplined, focused, committed and hardworking. Most of us started our career from the same harsh environment, but we pushed ourselves harder to play at the highest level,” said Ochieng.

“Some of my teammates lost focus and failed off the radar. Know what you want and go for it.”

Ochieng’s former Harambee Stars teammate Isaiah ‘Song’ Omondi, who is the Asubuhi coach, heaped praise on the #DuncoMtaani initiative.

“I played with Dunco sometime back and for sure his presence on Saturday was a motivation to the boys. It was a great moment for the youngsters to interact with him. 

“He’s a player they mostly watched on TV.”

From his days of playing in such environs, Ochieng said lack of important items like uniforms and balls can pose a challenge to budding athletes.

He donated balls in Kayole and promised to come back and conduct a clinic for goalkeepers.

Meanwhile, Football Kenya Federation, in partnership with the Anti-Doping Association of Kenya (ADAK), has rolled out anti-doping workshops for FKF National Super League clubs.