Sharks Muluya keeping faith undecided Ovella will stay

Kariobangi Sharks winger Ovella Ochieng is at crossroads on whether to ditch Kariobangi Sharks or stay come the 2018 season, confirming there are interests already from Europe.

Ovella, who played a key role in the recent Harambee Stars Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup win has told Citizen Digital he will make his decision by the end of this Christmas festive season.

“I cannot give conclusive information about my future at Sharks for now, am waiting for communication from my agent and by the end of December I will be able to communicate solid information,” he said.

The 18-year old Ochieng has been one of the stars behind Shark’s stellar performance in their debut Kenyan Premier League (KPL) where they finished third, but has conceded his future at the club is uncertain.

Ochieng, despite enduring a difficult period in the 2017 season with a recurrent injury, shook scored three goals against Sony Sugar, Muhoroni Youth and Mathare United.

Still embryonic

However, his coach William Muluya downplayed the speculation and is optimistic he will be part of his 2018 team.

“I have not heard anything about his transfer. I have no doubt he will remain in my team and look forward for a greater season with him. This one is coming quite early, the transfer window is still embryonic, but if a good deal comes you can never rule out that out,” he said.

Ochieng, who made his debut to the national team in 2016, has developed over time endearing himself to the new Harambee Stars coach Paul Put.

Muluya also underscored his delight in Ochieng’s performance in the national team, but insisted he has work to do to cement his place in the team.

“Playing with the national team will sharpen his tools, he is good but he needs to work extra,” the former Mathare United Team Manager said.

The Stars’ squad for Cecafa was entirely local based, meaning a stiff competition awaits them once Put summons the foreign legion.

Meanwhile, Ochieng said Put’s inspiration was a catalyst behind Harambee Stars performance in the 37th Cecafa edition.