Kenyan midfield ace Victor Wanyama has paid tribute to legendary striker and friend Dennis Oliech who announced a shock retirement from football today.
Oliech, a 34-year-old striking powerhouse, is reported to have failed to secure a deal with Wazito FC and coast-based Bandari FC with barely two weeks left to close of the January transfer window.
He was left without a club after quitting Gor Mahia at the beginning of the season following a bitter fallout with the Kenya Premier League champions.
“Happy retirement bro and all the best in your future,” Wanyama, who plays for Tottenham, told Oliech describing him as a legend.
The message was echoed by many fans including singing sensation Suzzana Owiyo.
“Wishing Dennis Oliech all the best in his future endeavor. He did well in his times as Kenya’s top striker. Legend,” Owiyo said on Twitter.
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
All the best in your future endeavors Kajole, Dennis Oliech today announced his retirement from football, he is the all time top scorer in the Kenyan national football team.
Dennis was loaded with trickery pace and strength, football misses you.#DennisThemenace pic.twitter.com/kOcULNQjh1 — Harambee Stars (@harambee__stars) January 19, 2020
Oliech is now set to venture 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 told Nation Sports.
Last club
When Dennis Oliech signed for Gor Mahia in 2018, the legendary story of his success on the pitch was to continue.
The story, however, momentarily ended – with a bitter fallout and unending accusations.
Oliech said Gor Mahia lied that he wanted to contest the Kibra Parliamentary seat in Nairobi in November 7, 2019.
Oliech maintains the rumours that he wants to switch to politics were spread by unknown people.
Gor Mahia terminated Oliech’s contract in late August 2019 citing his political aspirations. It said the move would portray the club in a bad light.
K’Ogalo added that they decided to terminate Oliech’s contract due to disciplinary reasons and performance issues.
In his defence, the former Harambee Stars striker indicated that he would have made a public announcement if he was to join politics.
Oliech hangs his footballing boots as Harambee Stars top goal scorer with 34 goals.