How Job Ochieng went from Ligi Ndogo to becoming an exciting prospect at La Liga giants Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad midfielder Job Nguono Ochieng has emerged as a promising talent in Spanish football, making waves with the club’s B team in the third tier.
However, his journey to this stage has been anything but smooth, marked by challenges, rejections, and an unwavering determination to succeed.
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Job Ochieng’s early days: Ligi Ndogo to Spain
Ochieng’s footballing journey began in Kenya at Ligi Ndogo FC, a club known for nurturing young talent. In 2020, at just 17 years old, he took a leap of faith by moving to Spain, landing in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. His arrival was made possible by the collective efforts of his village, which raised funds for his trip.
However, the transition was far from easy. An agency responsible for his transfer abandoned him, leaving him stranded without support.
It was Carlos Gaumet, then coach of Maspalomas’ first team, and club president Orlando Galindo who took him in, providing him with an apartment and ensuring he had basic necessities.
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“Many of the inhabitants of the village where he lived put up money so that he could come to Gran Canaria,” Gaumet revealed to Relevo in September 2024.
“The man who brought him left him with his suitcases on the street because his parents could not pay a monthly fee of the agreement they had with them.”
Despite the difficulties, Ochieng wasted no time showcasing his potential. Javi Martel, a Canarian football legend and youth coach at Maspalomas, immediately recognized his talent. “He told me: ‘Look, you have to see this kid because he’s amazing’,” Gaumet recalled.
Ochieng excelled in both the U19 B and the División de Honor before being promoted to the first team, where he stood out even among more experienced players.
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Yet, his path to a top club was not straightforward. He had an unsuccessful trial at Las Palmas, a club that, for reasons unknown, chose not to sign him. “He went to try out in pre-season, but don’t ask me why, he didn’t stay,” Martel said.
Real Sociedad spots potential in Job Ochieng
Determined to find the right opportunity for Ochieng, Gaumet reached out to Mikel Aramayo of Global Ases representation agency, sending them video clips of the young Kenyan. The footage caught the attention of Real Sociedad, who invited him to their academy, Zubieta, despite Ochieng suffering an ankle injury just before the trip.
The trials proved successful, and Real Sociedad wasted no time in securing his signature, offering him a two-year contract.
His performances in the youth teams were impressive, leading to a promotion from Sociedad’s C team—where he made eight appearances—to the B team, where he played 19 matches in the 2023/24 season.
Job Ochieng’s bright future
Ochieng’s versatility has been one of his greatest assets. He has played across the front three, as a number 10, and even filled in at left-back when needed.
His development was further acknowledged in January 2024 when he signed a contract extension, keeping him at Real Sociedad until 2026.
Despite being naturally introverted, those who have worked with him believe he has all the qualities to succeed at the highest level.
“He has a very good stride, is powerful, and is excellent in the air,” Martel said. “We are talking about one of the most important teams in Spain, and it is not easy, but he will be a professional footballer for sure.”
From the streets of Nairobi to Spain’s footballing elite, Job Ochieng’s journey is a testament to resilience and talent. With continued hard work, he could soon make the leap to Real Sociedad’s first team and, potentially, a future with Harambee Stars.
