Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy believes Job Ochieng's explosive pace and unpredictability could make him a major force in European football.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe South African tactician has singled out the youngster's acceleration as his biggest attribute, revealing that his ability to burst away from defenders is often underestimated by those who have not watched him closely.McCarthy expressed his pride in Ochieng's development, describing him as a hardworking player with an eagerness to learn and improve.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104604##"I am very proud of Job. He is a player who works hard, wants to learn and improve every day, and possesses some unbelievable qualities.People do not really appreciate how quick he is until they see him get off the mark. That is probably his biggest attribute in the game," McCarthy told Sporty TV.The former Blackburn Rovers striker, who handed Ochieng his first Harambee Stars call-up while the winger was still featuring in Real Sociedad's reserve ranks, believes his unpredictability gives him another important advantage against defenders.Aldrine Kibet rallies fans ahead of Kenya U23 clash against Ivory CoastMcCarthy also credited Ochieng's growing involvement with Real Sociedad's senior team for boosting his confidence, saying the opportunities he has received at the Spanish club have helped him express his abilities at a higher level."He is very unpredictable, and his rise at Real Sociedad has been important. The manager has given him more belief, which has helped his confidence.That is why he can go out there and perform. He has been given the opportunity, and he is taking it," he added.McCarthy threatens FIFA, CAF action over unpaid salaries as Harambee Stars face South AfricaOchieng earned his first Harambee Stars call-up in September 2025 after impressing with Real Sociedad B, with McCarthy including him in his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against The Gambia and Seychelles.The coach's decision to promote the youngster to the senior national team came at a time when he was still making his mark in Spanish football's lower divisions.Coach Onyango identifies key factors behind rising ACL injuries among Kenyan footballersHe made his international debut on 5 September, 2025, coming off the bench in Kenya's 3-1 defeat to The Gambia before earning his first start four days later in the emphatic 5-0 victory over Seychelles.McCarthy revealed that his decision to call up the winger was based on the quality he had identified despite the youngster playing outside Real Sociedad's senior team.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104627##"When I first called him up to the national team, nobody really knew who he was. He was playing for the B team, which was a lower level than what most people would associate with a national team player.But I had seen the quality in him. We gave him confidence, helped build his self-esteem, and he has continued to grow from there. I am happy to see him playing at a level where he still has so much room to improve.He will become an important figure for Real Sociedad and the national team," McCarthy said.McCarthy opens up on emotional Orlando return as Harambee Stars prepare for Bafana BafanaThe player's rise in Spain began after joining Real Sociedad in 2022, having impressed at CD Maspalomas following his development at Nairobi's Ligi Ndogo Academy.He initially featured for the club's C team before earning promotion to Real Sociedad B in 2023, where his performances gradually brought him closer to the senior setup.STARS ABROAD: Marcelo scores and assists in Raków win as Ochieng, Wanjala feature in SpainThe Kenyan made his La Liga debut on 7 February, 2026, coming on as a substitute in Real Sociedad's 3-1 victory over Elche before earning further opportunities with the first team.His progress has been reflected in his numbers as he has scored 10 goals in 67 appearances for Real Sociedad B, including nine during the 2025/26 Segunda División campaign.He has also registered a goal and three assists for the senior side.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104167##At 23, the versatile attacker can operate on either wing or through the middle.His acceleration, close control and dribbling make him a direct attacking threat, while his ability to use both feet allows him to trouble defenders from different positions.
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