Job Ochieng: La Liga Debut Showcases Qualities Benni McCarthy Can Count On for AFCON 2027

Harambee Stars forward Job Ochieng made his La Liga debut for Real Sociedad on Saturday, becoming the third player to be promoted from the club's youth system into the first team this season.

The winger, wearing the number 47 shirt, entered the match against Elche in the 63rd minute, replacing Guedes to earn his first senior cap under head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. He is also the first player from the reserve side to join the senior squad this season.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo after the match, the American coach revealed his reasoning for giving the Kenyan international his long-awaited debut. The manager elaborated on the specific qualities that made Ochieng the ideal choice for that moment in the game.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

"He has a lot of speed and is very valuable in many situations," Matarazzo stated. "He played because we needed precisely that type of player, someone who could make runs into space with speed. He has a strong sense of responsibility. It was a perfect match," the coach added.

Job Ochieng's journey to Real Sociedad's first team has been a testament to his patience and resilience, having spent several years developing within the club's two reserve sides.

His talent was first spotted at the Ligi Ndogo academy in Kenya. His family, along with several neighbours, established a fund to support his training abroad, with the agreement that the money would be repaid if he signed a professional contract.

He initially joined a sports academy in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where he made a strong impression but was ultimately forced to leave after being unable to cover the monthly fees.

His fortunes turned in 2020 when he signed for Maspalomas, a club with a partnership with Real Sociedad. Ochieng excelled at the Canary Islands club, and in 2022, a player agency recommended him to the Basque side.

Despite suffering an ankle injury just days before his trial at the club's Zubieta training ground, Real Sociedad signed the then 19-year-old to their C team.

A season later, he was promoted to Real Sociedad B and was a key part of the squad that achieved promotion to the Spanish Second Division.

This season, Job Ochieng has been a standout performer in the Segunda División, scoring the winning goal against Zaragoza on the opening day and finding the net again versus Leganés.