In Summary
- Dennis Oliech is set to be feted at a ‘Dare to Dream’ event to be held at Dagoreti.
- He has inspired most footballers in Kenya especially from his hometown Dagoreti in Nairobi.
- Beyond Hoops led by James ‘Drench’ Kamau believes Oliech represents the spirit of football in Kenya from his generation to date.
Kenya’s legendary footballer Dennis Oliech, is set to be feted on Mashujaa Day 20th of October 2023. He will be celebrated in his hometown in Dagoreti, Nairobi County.
READ Also: Near Full House in Harambee Stars Camp Ahead of Russia-Friendly
The event is supported by Ghetto Radio among other organizations.
“Anything for the ghetto and by the ghetto always count us in, especially if it is meant to transform lives.” Julius Owino Majimaji for Ghetto Radio.
Why Dennis Oliech?
Mashujaa Day is a day that Kenya set aside to celebrate and honor all those who contributed towards the struggle for Kenyan independence or positively contributed to the post-independence Kenya.
Dennis Oliech fits the description when it comes to Kenyan football. His goals and sacrifice always carried the team.
“We have chosen Oliech as the recipient for Dare to Dream 2023 award Dagoretti edition. As a soccer player that was born and raised in Dagoreti, he has had a big impact to the players that have come after him. He has made them believe they can succeed beyond the ghetto if they put in the work. He has inspired kids to dare to dream.” James Drench Kamau for Beyond Hoops.
Dennis Oliech dared to dream.
He was born in 1985 in Nairobi where he had spent all his life.
As a young boy he played for his favorite team Dagoreti Santos. He has since supported and inspired them to date.
His love for football gave him social comfort and respect among peers. Being a stammerer affected his social life thus endearing to football more to build his confidence.
Oliech never paid his high school fees. His talent was spotted and by class 7 he had a calling letter to Kakamega High School.
“He was poached by coach Abdala ‘Chameleon’ Zuberi to Sakayonsa FC in Majengo. He made it through the trials to join Mathare United. At Mathare, he managed to be selected to the MYSA Norway team. A trip that would change his profile as a striker completely!” Revealed Curtis, Offside sports show host at Ghetto Radio.
READ Also: FKF Premier League Relegation Battle rages on
He started playing professional football after being signed by Mathare United as a striker while in form 2. He was paid Kshs. 18K per month which helped in taking care of the family of nine after their father passed on.
His mother ‘Mama Oliech’ held onto the fish business to raise the family and support Oliech’s passion for football.
It is said that Oliech could walk all the way from Dagoreti to Mathare, 27Kms just to play football!
Oliech’s achievements
He is Kenya’s all-time top goal scorer with 34 goals from 76 caps for Harambee Stars.
He won the CECAFA Cup with Harambee Starts in 2002, winning the Golden Boot award.
He helped Harambee Stars qualify for AFCON Championship in 2004.
READ Also: Harambee Starlets Kick Start Preparations For 2024 WAFCON Qualifiers
He featured in the guardian as one of the promising young players alongside Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.
Football Teams he played for, and goals scored.
Mathare United -1998 – 2003, he scored 14 goals.
Al-Arabi in Saudi Arabia -2003- 2005, he scored 27 goals.
Nantes in France – 2006-2007, he scored 4 goals.
Auxerre in France – 2007-2012, he scored 25 goals.
Ajaccio in France – 2013- 2015, he scored 8 goals.
Dubai CSC – 2015, he scored 4 goals.
Gor Mahia FC – 2019, he scored 5 goals.
