Harambee Stars Defender Reveals CAF Champions League Plans After Winning Title With Kenya Police

Kenya Police captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng has outlined his next steps after guiding the club to its maiden FKF Premier League title and responded to talk of joining the police force after retirement.

Veteran defender and Harambee Stars stalwart David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng has opened up on his future in football after captaining Kenya Police FC to their historic first-ever FKF Premier League title. 

The triumph marked a personal milestone as well, considering it was  his first league crown since lifting the trophy with Tusker FC in 2012.

With the win, Kenya Police have booked their spot in next season’s CAF Champions League, which will not be uncharted territory for the club after having a taste of continental football earlier this season.

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The Law Enforcers just missed out on the  group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup last season after a 3-1 aggregate loss to continental giants Zamalek.

“We’ve got a target on our backs now. I think 17 teams in the Premier League — because we’re 18 in total — will be coming for us next season,” Cheche said during an interview on NTV’s Sport On.

“It’s not just about the derbies anymore. Sure, we’ve lost some, like the one against Ulinzi Stars, but now the focus shifts to the CAF Champions League. We’ve qualified, and the next big step is reaching the group stages.

“That’s where everything changes — not just for the club, but for us as players too. Getting into the group stage brings exposure, better incentives, and even life-changing opportunities. So right now, it’s about resting up, then coming back to fight — both in the league and in Africa.”

Will Cheche Join the Force?

Ochieng also addressed the now widely talked-about topic: whether he sees himself joining the police force after retirement, given the club’s close ties to law enforcement.

“I’ve got a lot of friends in the police, including our team manager (George Maelo),” he joked. “But look, we can’t all be police officers!”

Police have  enrolled some of its current players, including Job Ochieng and David ‘Messi’ Owino into the police force. 

Cheche, a charismatic and outgoing figure, who addressed retirement speculation two weeks ago, has explained why he would not join the Police as an officer on a permanent basis.

“That said, it’s a good thing. I think we have like 11 or 12 players in the squad who are part of the police force. It’s good for their families — and hey, if we ever get arrested, we know they’ve got our backs!”

With the league title secured and CAF competition on the horizon, Ochieng’s leadership and experience will be vital as Kenya Police FC steps onto the continental stage — whether or not he ever puts on the uniform off the pitch.