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Kenya Police skipper reveals when he will hung up his boots
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 22.07.25. | 19:09
The central defender has been playing competitive football since 2011 when he emerged at the defunct Nairobi Stima
Kenya Police FC captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng has broken his silence amid growing speculation surrounding his potential retirement from professional football.
The 32-year-old centre-back was at the heart of the club's historic success, leading them to their maiden FKF Premier League title in the recently concluded 2024/25 season.
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Since then, whispers have been circulating that that might have been his final campaign.
However, speaking to Mozzart Sport, the Harambee Stars defender admitted that thoughts of retirement are never far from the mind of a player in his position, but he made it clear that no final decision has been made.
“Every season comes with its challenges. Sometimes, the season begins and you feel you are ready to go all the way; other times, you feel it might be time to stop. They say a good dancer knows when to leave the stage, and I will always live by that.
I am honest with myself. Every time I step onto the pitch or hit the gym, I listen to my body. When the day comes and it tells me it has had enough, then I will know,” he opened up.
The former CECAFA Senior Challenge champion further, made it clear that he would never compromise his standards or shortchange the team.
“I am not the type of player who will show up knowing I cannot give my all. If I ever feel I cannot deliver at least 90 percent, I will step aside, regardless of the season. Even if it is at the start of this one and I realize I cannot give my best, I will walk away,” he added.
Having played for over a decade, both locally and internationally, Cheche’s career is as decorated as it is inspiring.
He started out in 2011 with the now-defunct Nairobi Stima before joining Tusker FC, where he lifted his first FKF Premier League title in 2012.
His journey then took him abroad, first to Saudi Arabia with Al-Taawon, then to the New York Cosmos in the US, before heading to Sweden with IF Brommapojkarna.
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He later returned home, featuring for AFC Leopards, Mathare United, Al-Ansar, and finally Kenya Police, where he not only revived his career, but also played a key role in the club’s transformation from relegation candidates to champions.
His leadership was instrumental in their turnaround under head coach Etienne Ndariyagije, rising from 17th place to league winners.
Internationally, Cheche has earned more than 33 caps for the Harambee Stars since making his debut in 2012, scoring twice for the national team.
His longevity and consistency have made him one of the most respected figures in Kenyan football.
Reflecting on his legacy, Cheche hopes his influence will be felt both on and off the pitch.
“I want to be remembered first as the captain who helped Police FC win their first-ever FKF Premier League title. I also want to be remembered for representing Harambee Stars for 13 consecutive years. I am not out to be called a legend, but I do hope people remember me as a player who gave everything for the team and who made others better on the pitch,” he averred.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Cheche hopes that if he finally decides to call it quits, his impact will have been deeply felt by those around him.
“Most of the players I have played against or alongside are younger, and I have always tried to make them comfortable, to teach them things that go beyond the game. If they say, ‘He helped me,’ or ‘He taught me something useful,’ that is enough for me,” he offered.
“And as a man, I would love to be remembered as someone fun, kind-hearted. I know everyone says that, but trust me, I know my own heart, and generous,” he added with a smile.
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