Former Nigeria international Simon Zenke in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has voiced his disappointment over the recent transfer of Nigeria youth international Amos Ochoche, after the youngster swapped France for the Czech Republic.
Zenke, who began his professional career in France and spent time with Strasbourg and Nancy, exclusively told Footy-Africa that he was saddened to see the promising defender leave French football.
“I felt bad when the transfer came out because I rate the boy highly and he has almost the same career trajectory as me,” Zenke said. “For someone who played for Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup just last year, I was hopeful he would get a lot of chances with the team when he came back. He is a good defender and I have been monitoring him here in France.
It is unfortunate he has to leave. I have not confirmed if it is a loan or permanent transfer, but I am not happy at all. But I also understand that at this stage he needs regular playing time and maybe he will develop faster at the Czech club. There are a lot of Nigerian youngsters in the Czech Republic so he won’t be out of place.”
Ochoche, who represented Nigeria at the last FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, had been on the books of French side Stade de Reims and was tipped for big things.
Reims defender Amos Ochoche joins Czech side Dynamo Ceske Budejovice
However, he completed a surprise move on Thursday to the Czech Chance Liga, joining SK Dynamo České Budějovice.
“I would have loved him to stay here in France, but he has to also think about what is best for him and maybe his agents decided it was a good option for him. I wish him all the best,” the former Samsunspor forward added.
Another Nigerian from my former club Strasbourg has also gone to the Czech league on loan. His name is Ogbonna Stanley, so both of them will keep each other company there. I am sad to see the two of them leave, especially Ochoche, who I have been monitoring for some time since he played with the Flying Eagles at the U-20 World Cup,” Zenke concluded.
