Job Ochieng: Who is the Real Sociedad Wonderkid That Has Earned Maiden Harambee Stars Call-Up?

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has called up Real Sociedad star Job Ochieng to his 23-man squad that will be facing The Gambia and Seychelles  on September 5th and 9th   in the quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision has sparked conversation among interested parties, who will be keen to see what this young, energetic winger  can do.

But who exactly is Ochieng?  Pulse Sports Kenya brings you up to speed.

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Ochieng’s journey began far from the polished pitches of Europe. Born in Nairobi, he grew up in a football-loving community where talent was nurtured on dusty grounds and makeshift fields.

 His first structured football lessons came at Ligi Ndogo, an academy that has produced some of Kenya’s brightest prospects.

At just 17, he dared to dream bigger. A fundraising effort in his village raised the money that would take him to Spain—an act of faith by a community that believed in his potential. But life abroad was anything but easy. 

The agency that arranged his transfer abandoned him, leaving him stranded, uncertain, and vulnerable in a foreign land.

It was then that Carlos Gaumet, coach of Maspalomas’ first team, and club president Orlando Galindo stepped in. They not only gave him an apartment but also ensured he had food and support. They became the family he didn’t have in Gran Canaria.

Ochieng’s talent quickly did the talking. At Maspalomas, he impressed everyone from teammates to Canarian football legend Javi Martel, who urged scouts to take notice. Though he endured setbacks—including a failed trial at Las Palmas—his resolve never wavered.

Opportunity finally knocked when Gaumet sent videos of the Kenyan youngster to a representation agency. Real Sociedad invited him to trials at Zubieta, their famous academy. Even with an ankle injury, Ochieng’s ability was undeniable. Sociedad offered him a two-year contract.

Since then, his rise has been steady. From the C team, where he made eight appearances, he progressed to the B team, where he played 19 times last season. This season, he has started brightly—already scoring a stunning goal against Real Zaragoza that underlined his confidence and maturity.

Standing at 1.85m, Ochieng is quick, powerful, and versatile. He can play across the front three, as a No. 10, or even at left-back when needed. His blend of pace and technical skill has drawn comparisons to former Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak.

More than statistics—21 appearances, one goal, and three assists last season—it is his hunger and resilience that stand out. This is a player who knows what it means to fight for every chance.

For Ochieng, wearing the Harambee Stars jersey will mean more than football. It will be a reminder of the village that fundraised for his flight, the strangers who gave him shelter, and the countless days when giving up might have seemed easier.