Harambee Stars winger Job Ochieng’s week just keeps getting better and better. Just days after making his La Liga debut against Elche, the Real Sociedad winger is now set to agree to a two-year contract extension on his current deal with the Spanish outfit.
According to Spanish outlet El Dario Vasco, Ochieng’s current deal was set to expire in June, which would have made him a free agent in just five months.
However, following a “fantastic” season with the club’s reserve side, Real Sociedad B, and a seamless transition into the senior squad, the club moved quickly to secure his future.
From Zubieta to the Big Stage
The 23-year-old’s rise has been accelerated by an injury crisis in the Real Sociedad attack. With key players like Takefusa Kubo, Andrea Barrenetxea, and Arsen Zakharyan sidelined, head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo turned to the Kenyan speedster.
Matarazzo, the former Stuttgart manager who recently took the reins at Sociedad, was sold on Ochieng after watching him in action for Real Sociedad against Albacete.
“He’s a player who brings speed and depth,” Matarazzo said during a post-match press conference. “He’s a very valuable asset in many situations. It was a perfect match for him to get his first minutes.”
Saturday marked the culmination of years of hard work. Ochieng was introduced in the 64th minute, replacing Portuguese star Goncalo Guedes with the score at 2-1.
His task was clear: exploit the space behind the Elche defense and maintain a high press. In doing so, he became the third Kenyan after McDonald Mariga and Michael Olunga to feature in La Liga.
It also means he became the second Kenyan to feature for the Spanish giants in the top flight after Mariga himself in 2011.
Ochieng delivered a composed performance, helping the team secure the win and proving he can handle the intensity of Spanish top-flight football.
Ochieng’s rise to La Liga
Job Ochieng’s journey to the top of Spanish football is a story of resilience:
Ochieng left Ngong Road-based outfit Ligi Ndogo AC for Spain at 17. Real Sociedad spotted him at age 20 while playing for Maspalomas.
Despite an ankle injury just days before his trial at Zubieta, the club saw enough potential to sign him for their ‘C’ team. He got promoted to the B team, who he featured for for two-and-a-half seasons before finally making his La Liga bow.
This season, he has blossomed in the Second Division (La Liga 2), making 17 appearances, scoring two goals, and providing two assists.
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