Exclusive: Kenya U-20 defender Baron Ochieng signs contract with Pyramids

Photo Credit – FKF Media.

UPDATE: Click here for the latest on this story.

Kenya national U-20 team assistant captain Baron Ochieng has penned a pre-contract with Egyptian club Pyramids following his impressive display at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cairo.

According to a source with the team in Cairo, Ochieng, who locally turns out for FKF Premier League outfit Sofapaka, signed the pre-contract after the final whistle of their final Group B fixture against Nigeria, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

“He was approached by Pyramids after Kenya’s first game of the tournament and they came back again after the Nigeria game, seeking to sign him,” the source, who did not want to be named, told Pan-Africa Football. “After the negotiations, which involved Rising Stars’ coaches, he agreed to sign a pre-contract with the club.”

Rising Stars missed out on a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals after finishing last in their group. They kicked off their campaign with a 3-2 defeat against Morocco, lost 3-1 against Tunisia, before drawing 2-2 against Nigeria.

After the Flying Eagles game, Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia was asked about the prospect of Kenyan players attracting scouts in Cairo. He responded: “I have also heard about this, but of course, to me it is a rumour because I haven’t heard any confirmation from any team or agent seeking to sign any of our players.

“I think it is a good thing, it will be a good thing if a player from U-20 is being approached by teams from Europe. That is a good thing for our football and for our nation.”

Pyramids are in the final of the CAF Champions League after eliminating Orlando Pirates of South Africa 3-2 on aggregate. The Egyptian side managed a 0-0 draw in the first leg semi-final clash in South Africa before winning the return leg 3-2 at home.

They will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the inter-club competition. The final’s first leg will be played on Saturday, May 24, before the return leg on June 1 in Cairo.