KCC were trailing 1-0 against Azam in their opening game of the CECAFA Kagame Cup on Sunday when second half substitute Shaban Kondo found space on the right.
The Tanzanian didn’t hesitate to cross for Joseph Ochaya who was on the far post. Unmarked, the tall left footed player controlled the ball without trouble and with the inside of his boot but he sent the ball over the bar.
His target was to put it in the roof of the net. It was one of those rare moments KCC got to find the back of the net.
Wearing that customary smile he puts on when asked about his dismal performance in KCC colors, Ochaya later told Kawowo Sports;
The pitch was too bumpy and failed to have control of the ball.
With his experience, size, skill, tehinique and power, Ochaya has what it takes to win KCC matches.
Maybe someone needs to remind him that there is a difference between playing for a premier club like KCC at a CECAFA Club Championship and playing for Kyambogo Universality at the National or East Africa University Championship.
Ochaya was a dummy god at the East Africa University Championship last December because opponents came already intimidated by the fact that he has been at Asante Kotoko in Ghana.
Against Azam, he got a number of goals scoring opportunities in areas so many players with his ability would fancy, but just wasted them maybe with hope that another opportunity will come by.
His crosses were awful, actually crossed one decent ball late in the second half. Decent in the sense that, the height was modest and didn’t come from one wing to another, only to go out for a throw in.
KCC were in the stands when Azam played Malakia on Tuesday, but I doubt if Ochaya watched John Bocco score Azam’s opener.
A set piece on the right side of the 18 yard box, a position Ochaya would fancy making headlines; Bocco with his right did the needful.
In that same position on Sunday, the former Buddo SS student had two chances to make an impact, he thoughtlessly just misused the opportunities.
KCC plays Adama City on Wednesday, needing a win to keep their chances of the making the last eight alive. It is players like Ochaya who should take the bold step and put some all their best weapons to good use.
