He's Back! Dennis 'The Menace' Oliech Officially Signs For Gor Mahia

2nd January 2019

The 33-year old striker agreed terms with Gor after training with them for two days this week and expressed his excitement at the prospect of returning to the local league

Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech is presented with a Gor Mahia FC jersey by club chairman Ambrose Rachier at his official unveiling on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. PHOTO/Courtesy
Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech is presented with a Gor Mahia FC jersey by club chairman Ambrose Rachier at his official unveiling on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. PHOTO/Courtesy
SUMMARY
  • Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech is set to become the highest paid player in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) after officially signing for record domestic league champions Gor Mahia FC on Wednesday afternoon
  • Oliech, who remains Kenya’s all-time record goal-scorer with 34 goals, will earn KSHs 350,000 a month, with his signing fee reported to be worth a whopping KSHs 3.5 million to be paid in two instalments
  • Oliech is expected to make a debut appearance against his former employers Mathare United FC on Sunday at the Kasarani Stadium, but a full debut could be in the offing for the league encounter against Posta Rangers in Kisumu next week

NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech is set to become the highest paid player in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) after officially signing for record domestic league champions Gor Mahia FC on Wednesday afternoon.

Oliech, who remains Kenya’s all-time record goal-scorer with 34 goals, will earn KSHs 350,000 a month, with his signing fee reported to be worth a whopping KSHs 3.5 million to be paid in two instalments, the first expected to be cleared this month.

The 33-year old striker agreed terms with Gor after training with them for two days this week and expressed his excitement at the prospect of returning to the local league.

“The training sessions with Gor went well and I am very happy that the coach has agreed to give me a chance. I promise to do my best,” Oliech stated.

Gor head coach Hassan Oktay had earlier mentioned that the signing of the former Ligue 1 player would be a great boost for his side who have had a hard time replacing Meddie Kagere, who now plays for Simba SC.

Oktay took charge of Gor following the departure of Briton Dylan Kerr in November.

“He only needs to work on his match fitness and it is something that he can do the moment he starts training with us on a daily basis.

“I like his character, I like him as a player and he can also guide the young players,” Oktay said after the 0-1 loss to Kariobangi Sharks FC.

Oliech is expected to make a debut appearance against his former employers Mathare United FC on Sunday at the Kasarani Stadium, but a full debut could be in the offing for the league encounter against Posta Rangers in Kisumu next week.

National team

“It is clear there has been a striker problem and therefore the pressure will be on me to perform. I am up to the task and promise to deliver,” Oliech underlined.

Oliech is highly regarded as the best striker that Kenya has ever produced and his decision to turn down the opportunity to change his citizenship from Kenyan to Qatari with a further KSh200 million on offer, will never be forgotten by the Kenyan faithful.

On his 19th birthday, Oliech scored and set up two goals at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals as Kenya beat Burkina Faso for their first ever victory in the competition.

His sensational form played a key role for Kenya as he scored in almost every qualifying match, including the winning goal against Cape Verde that sent Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee’s side to the finals.

Oliech has refused to rule out the possibility to play for the national team, who will be at the 2019 AFCON Finals after a 15-year hiatus.

“It would be great to return to the national team and help them do well at the AFCON Finals. It will however depend on whether the coach is impressed with my performance in the local league.

“I will have to do my best for my new club first and that could give me the chance to make a comeback in Kenyan colors,” Oliech underscored.

Gor have only won once this season and suffered two defeats, leaving them in 13th place with three points despite having a game in hand.

They play Chemelil Sugar FC today in the first game of the new year before going up against league leaders Mathare on Sunday.