Harambee Stars goalkeeper sets lofty ambitions as new chapter begins at Tusker

Photo || Tusker

Harambee Stars goalkeeper sets lofty ambitions as new chapter begins at Tusker

Mark Kinyanjui 08:30 - 23.08.2024

Ochuka, who was part of the Harambee Stars set up for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers last November, has revealed his objectives as he prepares to make his mark for new club Tusker.

Joseph Ochuka has revealed how he wants to elevate his game after joining Tusker from Coast outfit Bandari.

Ochuka opted to join the Alemen after losing his place at Bandari to Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, and has now revealed his desire as he embarks on a new journey at the club.

Nicknamed ‘spiderman’ due to his exquisite reflexes, Ochuka, who was part of the national team set up last November for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles, has habored ambitions to elevate his game at the club.

Ochuka aims at borrowing a leaf from the side’s former custodians such as Patrick Matasi,  Brian Bwire and Duncan Ochieng, who is now his goalkeeping coach in order to improve.

“When I started my career, Tusker FC boasted some of the finest goalkeepers in the country, such as Boni Oluoch, Wilson Oburu, Dunco Ochieng, Victor Onyango, and more recently, Patrick Matasi and Brian Bwire. This club has always had top-notch goalkeepers.

“It’s a significant challenge for me to emulate their success. My primary goal here is to win trophies and earn personal accolades while establishing myself as one of the club’s historic keepers,” Ochuka said in an interview with the club’s website.

Ochuka is an experienced goalkeeper,  also having played for other topflight clubs like KCB and Kariobangi Sharks, and will be hoping to impress at Tusker if he is to achieve his objectives.

“The experience has been excellent so far. Settling in has been smooth because many of the players are personal friends, so I haven’t felt like an outsider. I’ve learned a great deal and made significant progress, thanks to the coaching staff and the high training tempo,” he added.

Hoping to stamp authority in the Tusker team, Ochuka will have to fight for starting berths against Brian Opondo and Edwin Simiyu.

“Both Brian and Edwin are exceptional goalkeepers. Having three top keepers in the squad ensures a competitive environment. 

“We motivate each other in training, and whoever gets the chance to start knows they must perform at their best because the others are ready to step in,” he continued.

While turning out for the Dockers, Ochuka managed 10 clean sheets last season and has set this season’s high bar.

“This season, my goal is to surpass that number. If given the opportunity to play, I aim to keep at least 10 clean sheets in the first half of the season.”