Kenyan Defender Baron Ochieng Sees Zamalek Back Yannick Ferrera Despite Poor Run

Kenyan Defender Baron Ochieng Sees Zamalek Back Yannick Ferrera Despite Poor Run

Festus Chuma 15:52 - 11.10.2025

The White Knights continue to back coach Ferrera despite poor results, with Kenyan defender Baron Ochieng part of the squad.

Zamalek have reiterated their confidence in Belgian head coach Yannick Ferrera despite a challenging start to the season, the club’s treasurer, Hossam El-Mandouh, confirmed on Friday.

The White Knights have struggled under Ferrera’s guidance this campaign, winning five matches, losing two, and drawing three in the Egyptian Premier League. Their poor run has included a crushing derby defeat against arch-rivals Al Ahly, which sparked calls from fans and pundits demanding the coach’s dismissal.

Despite the criticism, Zamalek remain near the top of the league, sitting second with 18 points, level with Masry, who lead on goal difference. The team is determined to regain momentum and strengthen their challenge for the league title.

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Looking ahead, Zamalek will face Somalia’s Dekedaha in the CAF Confederation Cup round of 32 on 18 October, aiming to turn their season around and deliver strong performances on both domestic and continental fronts.

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Baron Ochieng

“Yannick Ferrera will continue with Zamalek,” El-Mandouh told MBC Masr. When asked about the possibility of appointing an Egyptian general manager to support the coaching staff, he added, “We are studying this matter.”

The statement represents a clear vote of confidence from the club, signaling that Zamalek trust Ferrera to steady the team despite recent setbacks. Supporters and players alike will be hoping that maintaining consistency in leadership can help lift performances in the coming weeks.

Kenyan Talent Adds Depth

Baron Ochieng

Kenyan defender Baron Ochieng, who joined Zamalek a month ago, has been steadily integrating into the squad. 

The 19-year-old full-back had a standout year with Kenya’s U20 team, which made history by becoming the first junior side to qualify for the 2025 AFCON U20 games in Egypt.

Ochieng was vice-skipper of the Kenya U20s and previously played for Sofapaka FC, where he earned recognition as the club’s defender of the year in 2024. 

The young defender began his professional career at Kibera Black Stars before moving to Sofapaka in 2023. 

His rapid rise through Kenya’s youth teams — from U18 to U20 and U23 — culminated in a senior Harambee Stars debut in June during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi.

Ochieng’s talent has also drawn international attention, with Spain’s Nastic Sports Academy reportedly expressing interest in him and teammate Tyron Kariuki in 2023. 

While that move did not materialize due to “some outrageous” demands from their Kenyan clubs, Ochieng’s domestic and continental performances have continued to impress.