Former AFC Leopards forward on why he turned down Zambian move to join Gor Mahia
.jpeg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 18.07.26. | 19:33
The pacey attacker recently completed a two-year move to Gor Mahia as the club continues strengthening its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and its return to continental football
Fresh Gor Mahia signing Hansel Ochieng has revealed that the opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League was the decisive factor that convinced him to turn down a lucrative move to Zambia in favour of joining the FKF Premier League record champions.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
Speaking exclusively to Mozzart Sport, the former AFC Leopards forward disclosed that although the financial package from the unnamed Zambian club was attractive, the prospect of competing in Africa's premier inter-club competition outweighed every other consideration.
The pacey attacker recently completed a two-year move to Gor Mahia as the club continues strengthening its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and its return to continental football.
While Ochieng declined to reveal the identity of the Zambian outfit that pursued his signature, he admitted that the chance to wear the green and white jersey on the continental stage made the decision an easy one.
"I had an offer to join one of the teams in Zambia. It was a lucrative offer, but the opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League, the pinnacle of African club football, was the deal-breaker for me. It has always been my dream to compete at the highest level on the continent, and Gor Mahia presented that opportunity.
"The chance to fight for the league title also played a big role because winning trophies is every player's dream. When I looked at the whole package, it became very difficult to turn down Gor Mahia," said Ochieng.
The 25-year-old also set his sights on helping K'Ogalo make a significant impact in the CAF Champions League, insisting the club should not be satisfied with merely participating.
"It will definitely be a difficult challenge, especially because it will be my first experience in the CAF Champions League. But I am ready to learn, contribute and help the team go as far as possible.
Every player wants to test himself against the best teams in Africa, and I believe we have the quality to compete."
Ochieng arrives at Gor Mahia with valuable league experience, having featured for Nzoia Sugar FC, AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz, Nairobi City Stars and APS Bomet since making his top-flight breakthrough in 2018.
Despite establishing himself as one of the league's quickest and most direct attacking players, he has yet to lift a major top-flight trophy.
His move to the 22-time league champions now presents the perfect opportunity to end that wait while fulfilling a long-held ambition of showcasing his talent on the African stage.
Gor Mahia will be hoping Ochieng's pace, direct running and eye for goal add another dimension to their attack as they chase domestic cup double glory and progression beyond the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League after a season out.