GOSPEL Ocholi is enjoying every minute of his loan spell at Gala Fairydean Rovers. And he is determined to help bring silverware to the club for the first time in its 10-year-existence.
The teenager from Maryhill in Glasgow joined Partick Thistle as a 14-year-old and progressed through the Thistle Weir Youth Academy.
He signed his modern apprenticeship with the club in 2021 and has since gone on to make his first team debut in a Premier Sports Cup group stage fixture against Dumbarton.
The highly rated 19-year-old joined Gala in January having spent the first part of the season with Dalbeattie Star. He has also enjoyed loan spells at Benburb and Gretna.
Since arriving at Netherdale he has already picked up ‘man of the match’ awards for his performances against East Stirlingshire and Cowdenbeath and has become a huge fans' favourite.
Gala face Linlithgow Rose at Ferguson Park in Rosewell on Sunday and the Glasgow teenager says he wants to put a smile on the faces of the Gala supporters.
He said: “I am really enjoying playing with Gala Fairydean Rovers. I’ve been on loan four times but this is my favourite.
“I was apprehensive at first because of the travelling involved but it’s worked out well.
“The team is like a family and we win and lose together. Jimmy (Martin Scott) puts confidence in us.
“We all know that the club has never won a trophy in its history, and we are all determined to put that right.
“This will be the biggest game of my career so far and my first chance to win a senior trophy.”
Ocholi believes that playing in the Lowland League will benefit his career and he would recommend that other youngsters from league sides follow his example.
He added: “The Lowland League is very competitive. Playing against talented players from Rangers and Celtic is a great experience as is playing against physical sides like Spartans and East Kilbride.
“I would recommend Gala Fairydean Rovers to any young players wanting to progress in the game.”
Gala Fairydean Rovers are running a supporters bus to the East of Scotland Cup final at Ferguson Park in Rosewell leaving Netherdale at 12.30pm. Seats must be booked in advance via the club's facebook page.
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