Tusker’s new signing Joseph ‘Spiderman’ Ochuka has revealed his desire to emulate Harambee Stars goalkeepers Patrick Matasi and Brian Bwire.
Ochuka was signed by the Brewers from Football Kenya Federation Premier League rivals Bandari and has now revealed the desire to achieve what the previous goalkeepers at the club did.
Apart from Bwire and Matasi, the goalkeeper also admires Duncan Ochieng, a retired national team goalkeeper and now keeper’s trainer at Ruaraka. Former Bandari goalkeeper Wilson Oburu and ex-Gor Mahia captain and keeper Boniface Oluoch are also Ochuka’s inspirational figures.
“When I started my career, Tusker FC boasted some of the finest goalkeepers in the country, such as Boni Oluoch, Wilson Oburu, Dunco Ochieng, Victor Onyango, and more recently, Patrick Matasi and Brian Bwire. This club has always had top-notch goalkeepers.
“It’s a significant challenge for me to emulate their success. My primary goal here is to win trophies and earn personal accolades while establishing myself as one of the club’s historic keepers,” Ochuka said in an interview with the club’s website.
Ochuka is an experienced goalkeeper having played for KCB and Kariobangi Sharks and will now start life in another Premier League outfit ahead of the 2024/25 season.
“The experience has been excellent so far. Settling in has been smooth because many of the players are personal friends, so I haven’t felt like an outsider. I’ve learned a great deal and made significant progress, thanks to the coaching staff and the high training tempo,” he added.
Rivalry
Hoping to stamp authority in the Tusker team, Ochuka will have to fight for starting berths against Brian Opondo and Edwin Simiyu.
“Both Brian and Edwin are exceptional goalkeepers. Having three top keepers in the squad ensures a competitive environment. We motivate each other in training, and whoever gets the chance to start knows they must perform at their best because the others are ready to step in,” he continued.
While turning out for the Dockers, Ochuka managed 10 clean sheets last season and has set this season’s high bar.
“This season, my goal is to surpass that number. If given the opportunity to play, I aim to keep at least 10 clean sheets in the first half of the season,” he concluded.
