by Gilbert Wandera
A major falling out looms between Harambee Stars coach Antoine Hey and Football Kenya over the latter’s decision to recall Kenyan striker Dennis Oliech and Mathare United defender Edgar Ochieng.
While it appeared that Hey had softened his stand over the two, it emerged on Thursday that the coach is adamant that he does not need them and insists that his plans for the November 14 remains unchanged.
A source close to him said he has made it clear to Football Kenya that he will not be forced to recall the two or any other player.
Dennis Oliech battles through two Tunisian opponents when Harambee Stars played the North Africans at Nyayo stadium on March 28.
Said the source: "Hey is adamant that he neither needs Oliech nor any other player for the Nigeria match. He has made it clear to Football Kenya that he will not be forced to recall the players."
Hey desperate
The German made his position clear on Tuesday afternoon during a technical meeting that he attended together with FKL Director Erastus Okul, his assistant Twahir Muhiddin and team manager Edward Oduor.
Hey was desperate to get the support of other members of the technical bench after he asked them to sign a joint letter to Football Kenya Ltd dismissing their request to include Oliech in the team.
Football Kenya wrote to Hey on Tuesday asking him to invite Oliech for the Nigeria match.
Impeccable sources, however, told FeverPitch both Twahir and Oduor declined Hey’s request insisting that the letter was written to Hey personally and so he is the one to reply.
The extent of the falling out was confirmed by Football Kenya director Erastus Okul, who insisted that the coach either has to recall the two or quit.
Weak team
Said Okul: "The coach has once again threatened to resign if we force him to recall the two players but I have told him to go ahead and asked Muhiddin to be ready to take over,"
"This country is bigger than an individual and we will not accept to have a weak team for the match against Nigeria."
Okul also revealed that the premier summoned him to his office to discuss the matter yesterday afternoon.
"We are determined to do well in the match against Nigeria and will not allow one man to stand between us and our dream," he said.
Football Kenya chairman Mohammed Hatimy also weighed in the matter by announcing that AJ Auxerre striker Dennis Oliech arrives on Sunday.
"Hey has no choice but to consider every best player we can include in the match against Nigeria," insisted Hatimy.