Bandari boost squad with Ochuka and Ouya

Experienced goalkeeper Joseph Ochuka has vowed to play a leading role in Bandari FC’s push for a strong finish in the Kenyan Premier League as the Dockers reinforce their squad for the decisive second half of the season.

Ochuka, who recently returned to Bandari after a spell at Tusker FC, says he is motivated by unfinished business at the Mombasa-based club and eager to help stabilise the team as they chase consistency.

“I am happy to be back at Bandari because this club feels like home,” Ochuka said. “I left with a lot still to achieve, and this return gives me the chance to finish what I started," said Ochuka, famously known as 'Spoti'.

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The experienced custodian joined Tusker in August 2024, where he was part of a competitive goalkeeping department alongside Bryan Opindo and Brandon Obiero. While opportunities were limited at Ruaraka, Ochuka insists the period helped him grow.

“My time at Tusker was important for my development,” he said. “Training every day with top goalkeepers pushes you to improve mentally and technically.”

Ochuka, who has also previously featured for KCB, believes his experience across several top-flight clubs will be invaluable for Bandari’s relatively young squad.

“I have played in different environments, under pressure and expectations,” he said. “That experience is something I want to share with the younger players here.”

Bandari currently sit 10th on the league table with 24 points, a position Ochuka feels does not reflect the squad’s true potential.

“We are better than where we are on the table,” he said. “Our target is to finish the season strongly and climb as high as possible.”

The goalkeeper has already set personal targets, starting with improving Bandari’s defensive organisation.

“As a goalkeeper, my first job is to organise the defence,” Ochuka said. “If we reduce mistakes at the back, results will automatically improve.”

He also highlighted the importance of leadership on and off the pitch. “I want to be a voice in the dressing room,” he added. “When things are not going well, players need calm and direction.”

Ochuka believes Bandari’s ambitions are realistic if the team maintains focus and unity. “This league is very competitive, but consistency is the difference,” he said. “If we stay disciplined and believe in ourselves, we can finish in a respectable position.”

As part of their mid-season reinforcement, Bandari have also unveiled Ivorian striker Frank Ouya, who has joined from Nairobi United.

The lethal forward arrives with a growing reputation after playing a key role in Nairobi United’s FKF Cup triumph and their subsequent CAF Confederation Cup campaign. Ouya says his move to Bandari represents a new challenge and a chance to elevate his career.

“I am excited to join Bandari because this is a club with ambition,” Ouya said. “I believe this is the right step for me at this stage of my career.”

The striker quickly endeared himself to Nairobi United fans with his eye for goal and relentless work rate, qualities he promises to bring to the Dockers.

“I like to score goals, but I also like to work for the team,” Ouya said. “That is my style, and I will give everything for the badge.”

Ouya believes Bandari’s current league position does not tell the full story.

“This team has quality players and a strong organisation,” he said. “Sometimes football is about small details, and those can change quickly.”

The Ivorian is confident he can add a new dimension to Bandari’s attack. “I bring movement, strength and finishing,” Ouya said. “I want to create problems for defenders and open spaces for my teammates.”

Reflecting on his FKF Cup success with Nairobi United, Ouya says the experience sharpened his hunger for more. “Winning the FKF Cup gave me confidence,” he said. “It showed me that I can perform in big moments.”

He is already setting clear objectives for his time at Bandari.

“My goal is to score goals and help the team win matches,” Ouya said. “If my goals push Bandari up the table, then I will be happy.”

Ouya also praised the reception he has received since arriving in Mombasa. “The welcome from the players and staff has been amazing,” he said. “That makes it easier to settle and focus on football.”

With Bandari seeking stability and momentum, the arrivals of Ochuka and Ouya signal intent from the Dockers as the league enters a crucial stretch. For Ochuka, it is about leadership and resilience. For Ouya, it is about goals and impact.

Together, the duo could prove decisive as Bandari chase a strong finish and look to reassert themselves as a competitive force in the Kenyan Premier League.