Oliech, Mariga score as Mugubi eyes title

By Robin Toskin

Harambee Stars big boys led by captain Dennis Oliech, McDonald Mariga and Victor Mugubi claimed important victories in Europe over the weekend — results which could have positive effects on their careers.

Oliech sealed three points for AJ Auxerre in their 2-0 home victory over Valenciennes as they revived their hopes of remaining in the French Ligue 1.

Mariga laid the foundation for AC Parma with a sixth minute goal in their 3-1 defeat of Lazio at Estadio Tardinni and move to 15th in the Serie A table, seven points from the drop.

In Scotland, Mugubi, who saw red during their 3-2 defeat in the Old Firm derby, did not make the bench but an inspired performance by Greek Georgios Samaras helped them see off St Johnstone and move to within a point of winning the Scottish Premier League. A draw for Celtic away to Kilmarnock on Saturday will see Mugubi crowned Scottish champion. Mugubi has played 36 times for Celtic, scoring four goals in the process.

For Oliech, Auxerre’s travails would overshadow his best season in French Ligue where for once, since joining the division via Nantes in January 2006, the Stars captain has hit a two-figure goal haul.

Oliech has scored 10 times (29 percent of Auxerre’s haul) to be the team’s top scorer, eight behind Ligue 1 top scorer Oliver Giroud of leaders Montpellier, who has netted 18.

Auxerre are four points from safety and a sustained rich vein of form could see his side climb off the chopping board.

In Italy, Mariga curled in the opener before Sergio Floccari netted a brace to lift Parma two places up from the previous week when they were placed 15th.

The midfield strongman is on his second stint at Parma, but on loan from Inter Milan and having arrived at Estadio Tardinni from another loan spell at Real Sociedad of Spain.

Elsewhere, world football governing body, Fifa, has approved Sh41 million for a third Fifa Goal Project. In a letter to Football Kenya Federation chairman Sam Nyamweya, Fifa President Sepp Blatter said: "The Development Committee has approved a third project and grant your association $500,000 within the framework of the football development in your country."

FKF has already laid the groundwork for a third Fifa Goal Project in Kisumu.

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