Oliech fired up for RS Berkane challenge

Gor Mahia FC new Striker Dennis Oliech makes his debut against Mathare United FC after coming in for Nicholas Kipkirui during their Kenya Premier League match at the Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi [Courtesy]

Gor Mahia striker  Dennis Oliech says he is tired of coming on as a second-half substitute and is ready to start when the club takes on Moroccan side RS Berkane in the first leg of their Confederations Cup quarter-final match on Sunday.

Oliech insists he is the perfect replacement for suspended Jacques Tuyisenge and has asked coach Hassan Oktay to start him.

“It has been a great two months mostly coming on as a second-half substitute, but I feel ready now to start and with the absence of Tuyisenge there is no one else more experienced than myself and deserving of the role,” he said.

Oliech scored two goals and missed a penalty when Gor Mahia thrashed Zoo Kericho 4-0 four days ago.

Turning to the upcoming match, Oliech said it is a must win for his side if they hope to progress further to the semi-final stage.

“The trick is to win at home even if it is a by a narrowly. This puts pressure on our opponents as we go for the second leg as opposed to picking a draw which will make uncertain for us to qualify,” he added.

He said the team is coping well with a congested fixture as they have a big squad that makes it easier for the coach to rotate.

“One the best things we have at Gor Mahia is a big squad meaning the coach can easily pick two teams which are both competitive. It means that even with a congested fixture, we can cope very well as the coach has an opportunity to rest some players.”

Elsewhere, Mathare United defender Harun Junior has expressed delight on scoring his maiden goal for the club against Posta Rangers in a 3-1 win for the slum boys.

“It was unbelievable, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know how to express myself. My teammates always joke that I hardly score, but here I was proving them wrong,” he told the club website.

The 23-year-old only returned to the club in January after spending more than two years on loan in the second tier where he was attached to Modern Coast Rangers and Nairobi Stima.

“It has been a long journey and I’m glad that I have been getting playing time this season. I was reluctant to come back in January since I felt I had unfinished business with (Nairobi) Stima where I was a regular. I wanted to help them get promoted since we came very close last season,” Harun said.

“I gave it a second thought and decided to look at it as a challenge to redeem myself at Premier League level and I’m happy that it has turned out well, it was worth it. There is stiff competition for places but I will continue giving 120 per cent whenever I am selected,” added Harun.