New Tusker defender reveals target ahead of his first CAF club assignment

New Tusker FC defender Talena Ochieng has set his sights on making a strong impression ahead of his potentially continental debut this weekend. The fast-rising left-back joined Tusker from FKF Premier League rivals Ulinzi Stars and is now preparing for his first taste of senior continental football following the move. Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsOchieng says the opportunity to play in the CAF Confederation Cup was one of the major factors behind his decision to join Tusker, with the competition offering him a chance to gain valuable exposure beyond Kenyan football.“This will be my first time competing in a CAF competition, so I am very excited. I know it will give me great exposure and valuable experience,” Ochieng said.##NAJAVA_MECA_936828##The defender has already set an ambitious personal target for his maiden continental campaign, hoping to contribute directly to Tusker's push for a place in the group stage.“I want to be named man of the match in the games, while also providing assists and scoring goals to help the team qualify for the group stage,” he added.Ochieng completed his transfer to Tusker after Ulinzi Stars eventually handed over his clearance in mid-August. The move had initially encountered a temporary setback after the soldiers delayed processing his official release letter amid financial negotiations.Gor Mahia charged for violent incidences witnessed after Super Cup loss to TuskerThe highly-rated defender had been unveiled alongside Tusker's new signings ahead of the 2026-2027 FKF Premier League season after the clearance issue was resolved.His arrival at Tusker also gives him an opportunity to finally experience continental football after an injury denied him the chance to make his international debut at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.Ochieng was named in Salim Babu's final 25-man Kenya U20 Rising Stars squad for the tournament and travelled with the team to Cairo. However, he suffered an injury during a pre-tournament friendly against Ghana just six days before the competition kicked off.The injury ruled out the regular first-choice left-back from Kenya's campaign. Although he briefly returned to light training, he was ultimately not fit enough to feature in any of the Rising Stars' matches.Blow as Harambee Stars defender is ruled out for rest of 2026-2027 season in EnglandNow, before he turns his attention to another assignment with the national U20 team, Ochieng will first have the opportunity to make his mark for Tusker in the CAF Confederation Cup.The defender has subsequently been named in newly-appointed Kenya U20 head coach Gilbert Selebwa's provisional squad for the 2026 CECAFA U20 AFCON qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 15-25 September .The upcoming tournament will provide Ochieng with another chance to represent the country after his frustrating experience in Egypt.“This is not my first U20 call-up; it is my second. I hope to use this opportunity to help the country qualify for the AFCON,” he said.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Akonnor’s Gor Mahia vs Mokwena’s Pyramids and the tactical battle that could decide everythingOchieng believes he has developed significantly since the Egypt tournament and is confident the player heading to Tanzania will be a much-improved version of the youngster who travelled to Cairo last year.“The Talena who played at the U20 AFCON in Egypt last year and the one who will feature in the CECAFA U20 qualifiers in Tanzania are very different. I have made huge improvements,” he said.“Last year, I did not get to play because of an injury. This time, I want to make sure I give my best and make my country proud,” he continued.Emerging Starlets storm CECAFA semis as boys bow outHaving settled well into the Tusker squad, Ochieng says he is enjoying his new environment and is already building chemistry with his teammates.“I feel really great being part of this team. Tusker have welcomed me very well, and I am gelling nicely with the team,” he said.The CAF Confederation Cup represents his first opportunity to fulfil the continental ambitions that influenced his move to Tusker.“What inspired me to come to this team was the opportunity to play in the CAF Confederation Cup and get exposure beyond Kenyan football. That was a big motivation for me,” Ochieng explained.STARS ABROAD: Olunga features in Al Arabi win as Ouma inactive in PolandWith the Confederation Cup coming before the CECAFA U20 qualifiers, Ochieng will have the chance to make his senior continental debut with Tusker before switching his focus to helping Kenya's U20 side secure qualification for the 2027 U20 AFCON.