Kenya's Record Goal Scorer Dennis Oliech Announces Retirement From Football
19th January 2020
He went on to play in 68 matches for Harambee with last match for the team was when he featured against Zambia in a 2-1 loss in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier tie
- Kenya’s record goal scorer Dennis Oliech on Sunday announced his official retirement from football, going on to say the state of Kenyan football is terribly wanting
- Oliech first played for the national team in 2002 at the age of a 17 against Nigeria in an international friendly in Lagos which Harambee Stars lost 3-0
- In 2019, Oliech agreed a two-year deal with Gor Mahia, which never lived to see the light of day after the club unceremoniously terminated his contract on grounds of alleged misconduct
NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s record goal scorer Dennis Oliech on Sunday announced his official retirement from football, going on to say the state of Kenyan football is terribly wanting.
Oliech has earlier stated that he hoped to return to the local top flight with either Wazito FC or Bandari FC but it seems certain that his stint with Gor Mahia FC will be his last at club level.
Oliech first played for the national team in 2002 at the age of a 17 against Nigeria in an international friendly in Lagos which Harambee Stars lost 3-0.
He went on to play in 68 matches for Harambee with last match for the team was when he featured against Zambia in a 2-1 loss in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier tie.
"I have officially retired from playing football and will venture into business.
“I had stated when I left Gor that I would bounce back by joining Wazito or Bandari, but nothing is forthcoming and that is why I have not seen any need to continue. I have retired both international and at a club level," the veteran striker stated.
He began his career as a pro in 2003 when he signed for Qatar-based side Al-Arabi, where he scored 12 goals in seventeen appearances, before joining French side Nantes on a four-year contract.
Oliech made his debut for them on March 11, 2006 but could only manage four goals in 32 matches.
He joined AJ Auxerre the next summer on loan, where he stayed for six years, scoring 25 goals in 165 appearances.
"Kenyan football is on its deathbed and that is evident by the go slows and walkovers in the league. Why can't KPL management stand strong yet even before SportPesa came, the league was running.
“The officials have personal interests and are only playing politics in the name of lamenting over sponsorship," an infuriated Oliech added.
He moved to Dubai CSC in February 2015 after terminating his contract with the French club.
In 2019, Oliech agreed a two-year deal with Gor Mahia, which never lived to see the light of day after the club unceremoniously terminated his contract on grounds of alleged misconduct.
He did not score too many goals for the record league winners but will be remembered for a memorable one in an emotional 4-2 CAF Confederations Cup victory over Egyptian giants Zamalek at the Kasarani Stadium.