APRIL FOOL 4

Oliech Set For KPL Return

Harambee Stars and Ajaccio striker Dennis Oliech.

BY JAMES WAINDI
MONDAY, 1 APRIL, 2013

Harambee Stars skipper Dennis Oliech is set for a surprise return to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), where his career started slightly more than a decade ago. The France-based Kenyan international may join KPL in mid season of the league in June and has said he would love to play for 12-time local league champions Gor Mahia, after spending 11 years playing abroad.

According to the Ajaccio striker who recently made a move to the Paris Island team from relegated AJ Auxerre, believes it is time to return home and concentrate on family and businesses. Oliech would not be the first high profile player to return to the local league after having exploits in foreign land. AFC Leopards striker Allan Wanga returned to the league after stints in Angola, Vietnam and Azerbaijan, same as Francis Ouma who currently plays for Sony Sugar after having a short spell with Italian side Parma.

Jamal Mohammed had also returned to feature for Mathare United after stints in Israel and Romania, but is currently back in the Middle East with a league side in Oman. “I have been playing abroad for many years and I think it is time I came back home to stay with my loved ones as I closely monitor my investments,” said Oliech, who is a free agent despite being in Ajaccio’s starting line-up.

“This does not mean that I am hanging up my boots. I will continue playing football in KPL and I am ready for heavy salary cut to play for Gor which has always been my dream team.” Oliech started his career with Mathare United, before moving to Qatar, then Nantes, Auxerre and now Ajaccio in French Ligue 1.

Three of his brothers, however, played for K’Ogalo, and this could be the reason behind his love of the club. The late Stephen Okumu was Gor Mahia’s striker in the late 1990’s, while his other siblings to have played for Gor include Andrew ‘Apache’ Oyombe and Ken “Kenutte’ Oliech.

When asked about Oliech’s possible move to Gor in two months time, Gor’s coach Zdravko Logarusic welcomed the news, but said he would not be treated like a sacred cow, but will have to fight for a starting place. Oliech will face club competition from Ugandan striker Dan Sserunkuma, Paul Kiongera, Rama Salim, Moses Odhiambo and Edwin Lavatsa.

The writer is People’s sports editor james.waindi@mediamax.co.ke