Harambee Stars Defender Baron Ochieng on How Kenyan Football Can Reach Egypt's Heights

Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng believes Kenya can rise to the level of African football giants like Egypt—but only if the country decisively invests in its football structures.

The Zamalek SC right back, one of the fastest-rising talents in African football, has been recalled to the national team for the November friendlies against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal in Antalya, Turkey. 

For him, this call-up is not just another milestone but a reminder of the work Kenya must do to compete with the continent’s best.

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Ochieng, who lit up the FKF Premier League Sofapaka and junior national teams  before earning his move to Zamalek, says the biggest difference between Kenyan and Egyptian football comes down to one thing: investment.

“Egypt are a step ahead of us, but it’s not because we don’t have talent,” he said. “If Egyptian clubs are recruiting Kenyan players, it means we have quality. What we lack is the level of investment and organisation their football enjoys.”

For the teenager, the lesson is simple—Kenya has the players, coaches, passion, and ambition. What is missing is a system that supports local talent the way Egyptian clubs support theirs.

He points to the fact that most Egyptian national team stars—aside from global icons like Mohamed Salah—play in their domestic league because the environment is strong and well-funded.

Having served as assistant captain for Kenya’s U20 team at the AFCON tournament in Egypt earlier this year, Ochieng has witnessed the contrast first-hand. 

From club facilities and medical departments to stadium atmospheres and match preparation, he says the Egyptian game operates on a different level.

Nothing captures that professionalism more than the Cairo Derby between giants Al Ahly and Zamalek.

“The derby is something else entirely,” he said. “People begin talking about it three months before kickoff. The organisation, preparation, and atmosphere are on another level. It’s all about pride, history, and excellence.”

For Ochieng, Kenya’s football will only reach such heights when investment becomes a top priority—especially now that the country will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.

The youngster is determined to be part of that moment.

“My dream is to play for Kenya at AFCON 2027. That would mean everything,” he said. “I thank God for this opportunity, because every call-up gives me hope that I’m moving closer to that goal.”

He also addressed his earlier omission from the 2024 CHAN squad with maturity, insisting it only motivated him to keep improving.

“It was the coach’s decision, and my time wasn’t yet,” he said. “I was happy for the boys because we all represent the same country. Now I feel ready.”