Kenya Police FC captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng has hinted that he might retire from professional football following his team’s final league fixture against Gor Mahia.
Police FC are scheduled to meet the outgoing FKF Premier League champions on Sunday, 22 June, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata. The fixture will not only mark the close of the season but also serve as the coronation for the newly crowned champions, Kenya Police FC.
Ochieng, a pivotal figure in the club’s dramatic turnaround under head coach Etienne Ndariyagije, has played a vital role in leading the team from 17th place on the table to league glory. His experience and leadership on and off the pitch have been instrumental in this achievement.
Despite his standout performances this season, the 32-year-old defender is contemplating hanging up his boots, as he revealed in an interview with Tata Sports.
“It is possible (retiring from football). Let us see how the season ends. We leave it to God, but if I still feel energetic, I will know after the game against Gor Mahia,” said Cheche.
The interview came shortly after Police FC secured the league title with a win over Shabana, adding fuel to earlier speculation regarding his future in football.
Ochieng, who began his career over a decade ago, reflected on the long wait to reclaim league glory, having previously lifted the title with Tusker FC in 2012.
“I am finally a FKFPL winner with Kenya Police. I was a winner with Tusker in 2012. It has taken me 13 years to win another one, and I can say God has been with me,” he noted.
He acknowledged the challenges of the 2024–2025 season, describing it as one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
“There has been a lot of pressure because the league was so tough. This season, it was evident that positions 1 to 10 were safe, while the rest did not know their fate, especially in the last two games, making it a tough season. To be champions, it shows we have worked harder and pushed more both in training and matches,” he remarked.
Cheche also took a moment to laud Coach Etienne Ndariyagije, who he credits with rejuvenating the team’s performance and morale.
“I want to thank all the coaches who have been with us this season, but coach Etienne found us in the relegation zone and with low belief, but after analysis, told us to play more attacking football, which paid off,” he noted.
Dedicating the title to his family, the former CECAFA champion shared a heartfelt tribute to his mother.
“I dedicate the win to my mother, who has stood in the gap also as a father since my dad passed, and also to everyone in my family.”
As anticipation builds around the final match against Gor Mahia, a conversation has emerged around whether Gor should give Police a guard of honour—a tradition usually extended to newly crowned champions. On the matter, Cheche remained diplomatic.
“We are okay with whatever they decide. If they had won it, we would have given it (guard of honour) to them, but that is for them to decide, but I think Gor Mahia is a gentleman’s club and they will do what they are supposed to do.”