Cosmos Ink Kenyan International David Ochieng

The New York Cosmos announced Tuesday that central defender David Ochieng has signed with the club. 

Ochieng, who stands 6-foot-2, debuted with Kenya’s senior national team in 2012 and has since appeared in qualifying matches for the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. His first FIFA competition appearance came on March 23, 2013 against Nigeria, a 1-1 draw in preliminary World Cup qualifying action for Africa. More recently, Ochieng, 23, started on Kenya’s back line in a 5-2 World Cup qualifier victory over Mauritius on Oct. 7, 2015.

“We’re excited to have David here with us for the 2016 season,” Cosmos head coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese said. “He is a young, talented national team player that can come here and enhance our strength in the middle of our defense.”

“Joining the New York Cosmos is a privilege,” Ochieng said. “I know this is a team with great history, and one that now prides itself on strong defense. I hope to contribute to that reputation through hard work.”

At 18 years old, Ochieng joined the senior squad of his hometown club, Nairobi Stima, in the second-tier Kenyan National Super League. A year later he moved to Tusker Football Club in Kenya’s top flight, registering 18 appearances and scoring twice from 2012-13. Tusker were Kenyan Premier League Champions in 2012.

In 2013, Ochieng signed with Al-Taawoun FC of Saudi Arabia’s top flight. He appeared in 52 matches over the course of two seasons for the club, scoring two goals.