Dennis Oliech: Curtain falls on prolific striker's football career

Former Harambee Stars international Dennis Oliech [COURTESY]

Former Harambee Stars international Dennis Oliech has officially announced his retirement from football.

Oliech, who is said to have had hopes of being signed by a club currently in the Kenya Premier League (KPL), played for perennial champions Gor Mahia last after joining them in January 2, 2019.

As quoted on a local news outlet, Oliech resorted to hanging up his boots after failing to secure moves to the KPL, and has moved into business.

"I have officially retired from playing football and will venture into business. I had stated that I would bounce back by joining Wazito or Bandari, but nothing is forthcoming, that’s why I have not seen any need to continue,” Oliech said.

Premier League clubs are reportedly not interested in Oliech’s services.

Oliech is also reported to have cited financial constraints currently surrounding the Kenyan football scene as why he chose to retire.

"Kenyan football is on its deathbed and that is evident by the go slows and walkovers in the league,” explained Oliech.

Oliech questioned why the league’s management could not stand on its own like it did before the arrival of major sponsorships from companies like SportPesa.

The Harambee Stars talisman revealed his next step in life, saying he would act as an agent for young aspiring footballers in Kenya.

“I will be an agent for young talented footballers so as to enable them get clubs in Europe,” Oliech revealed.

Harambee Stars captain and Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama paid tribute to Oliech on Facebook and wished him the best of luck. 

Famed singer Suzanna Owiyo also complemented the former striker. 

Wishing Dennis Oliech all the best in his future endeavor. He did well in his times as Kenya’s top striker. Legend???????? — Suzanna OWIYO - OGW (@SuzannaOwiyo) January 19, 2020

OLIECH'S FOOTBALL HISTORY: 

Harambee Stars

Oliech in action for Harambee Stars against South Africa in a past match [COURTESY]

Oliech is Harambee Stars’ record goalscorer with 34 goals, having announced his retirement from international football in March 2016.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from the national team Harambee Stars. At this point I don’t feel my contribution has been appreciated by stakeholders. It has become difficult playing for the national team when you are not appreciated,” a dejected Oliech announced.

Oliech first played for the national team in 2002 at the age of 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. His last match for the team was when he featured against Zambia in a 2-1 loss in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier tie.

Club Career

He joined AJ Auxerre on loan, where he stayed for six years, scoring 25 goals in 165 appearances [COURTESY]

Oliech started playing football for Dagoretti Santos before securing a transfer to Mathare United. He had trials with Ligue 1 side Marseille while still with the ‘Slum Boys’.

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.

In 2005, Oliech joined French side Nantes on a four-year contract, making his debut for them on March 11, 2006. He scored only four goals in 32 appearances.

He joined AJ Auxerre the next summer on loan, where he stayed for six years, scoring 25 goals in 165 appearances.

He announced he wanted to leave Auxerre in 2013 and joined AC Ajaccio, then in the Ligue 1 on a two-and-a-half-year deal. He scored on his debut and went on to score another seven times in 50 appearances.

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.