'Spiderman' Ochuka hungry to grab first league title with Tusker FC

Tusker FC's custodian, Joseph 'Spiderman' Ochuka, now says the ambition to win the Kenyan Premier League title triggered his switch to the brewers from another league outfit, Bandari FC.

Ochuka is among the 11 new signings that the Ruaraka-based club has made this far after parting ways with 11 former players including head coach Robert ‘Lion’ Matano, whose contract expired at the end of last season.

Ochuka was signed to replace Brian Bwire, who left Tusker FC at the end of last season to join South Africa’s, Polokwane City. 

Speaking to Citizen Digital, ‘Spiderman’, as he is fondly referred to by his peers due to his exquisite reflexes, says he joined Tusker to boost his chances of winning his first premier league title, adding that the brewers are title contenders every season. 

The 30-year-old says he is ready to help the Ruaraka-based side to reclaim the league title they lost two seasons ago to reigning champions, Gor Mahia, who won two back-to-back titles with Tusker finishing as runners-up on both occasions.

“I grabbed the opportunity to join Tusker to try another challenge. I thank Bandari FC for giving me a platform where I showcased my talent. I believe Tusker is the right place to further my career, win the title which is my deep desire and I think the move was timely,” stated Ochuka.

“There were other reasons that influenced my decision to join Tusker, but one in particular that stood out is the possibility of winning titles,” he added.

Ochuka’s acquisition is expected to bolster Tusker’s goalkeeping department and maintain their competitiveness in the league, though he will face tough competition from Brian Opondo and young talent, Edwin Simiyu.

“Both Brian and Edwin are excellent goalkeepers. Having three top keepers in the squad will guarantee a competitive environment. We are motivating each other in training, and whoever gets the chance to start knows he must perform at his best because the others are ready to step in,” Ochuka said of the duo.

With the new season having kicked off last Saturday, the custodian debuted for his new employers after winning the trust of interim coach, Charles Okere, who preferred him over Opondo and Simiyu. 

Having managed to keep a clean sheet in his debut after his side beat Sofapaka 1-0 in the opener, courtesy of Chrispine  Erambo, the former Kariobangi Sharks custodian added that he is aiming to increase his clean sheet tally from 10 in the previous season.

“I joined Tusker for my playing time, which will guarantee me a chance to hit my target of having at least 12 clean sheets at the end of my first season here. Last season, despite playing second fiddle to Byrne Omondi in some matches, I still managed a double-digit clean sheet, so if I get more chances than last season this will be achievable,” he underscored.

The Okere-led charges boast a rich history of having had one of the finest custodians in the country within their ranks, who have featured for the national team, Harambee Stars.

Victor Onyango, Boniface Olouch, Wilson Obungu and Duncan Ochieng all featured for the Stars in yester-years before Patrick Matasi and Brian Bwire featured most recently.

Ochuka, who also played for KCB, will be under the tutelage of coach Duncan Ochieng, a club legend who upon retiring has been training the club’s goalkeepers.

“The club has produced top goalkeepers, who have previously played for Harambee Stars, it's my deep desire to be one as well during my time here. This as well will help me nail my berth at the national team and become a conspicuous figure in the Stars’ squad,” he stated.

Ochuka was part of the Harambee Stars set up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last November, before he was dropped by head coach Engin Firat, but he believes his performance at the club will earn him a call back to the national team.