Dennis Oliech, the legendary former Harambee Stars forward, has called for the establishment of a special board of ex-internationals to help revive Kenyan football. Oliech, who is second on the all-time top scorers list with 34 goals, believes that the struggles of Kenyan football can be attributed to the sidelining of former players who have much to offer, especially in coaching, talent identification, and nurturing.
With the recent changes at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Oliech feels this is the ideal time to address the issue by involving former players in the management and development of the national team. According to him, these individuals, who have represented the country at the highest level, possess the necessary passion and expertise to make a significant difference.
Oliech emphasized the importance of having a board composed of former players to oversee the national team’s affairs, drawing from the successful model that existed in the past. He believes that when former players were involved in the running of the team, the national team performed better, and this model should be revisited. Oliech, alongside fellow former players such as Musa Otieno, has expressed a willingness to contribute their expertise to the team’s development.
Oliech also pointed out that such a board would be beneficial to the national team’s coaching staff, particularly if South African legend Benni McCarthy is appointed as the head coach of Harambee Stars. He used the example of former goalkeeper Arnold Origi, who is currently part of the coaching team under interim tactician Francis Kimanzi. Oliech believes that bringing former players into the coaching setup, as seen with Origi, will help improve the team’s performance and provide valuable insights.
The former striker also criticized the practice of appointing individuals with no playing experience to key positions within the national team. He argued that this approach has been detrimental to the development of Kenyan football and that former players should be at the forefront of national team affairs. He stressed that individuals who have played the game professionally understand its intricacies and can offer valuable guidance to both the players and the coaching staff.
Oliech’s proposal is not just limited to coaching but extends to other areas of football development, such as scouting and player development. He expressed his willingness to work alongside McCarthy and contribute to the growth of Kenyan football by training forwards, scouting new talent, and helping to develop the existing players. He firmly believes that the future of Kenyan football lies in the hands of those who have been directly involved in the game.
Reflecting on the success of the current regime’s decision to include Origi in the coaching setup, Oliech expressed optimism that the involvement of former players will bring about positive changes. He highlighted the potential for Kenyan goalkeepers to secure professional contracts abroad, thanks to Origi’s connections in the football world.
In conclusion, Oliech’s call for a board of ex-internationals to help steer the future of Kenyan football is a plea to involve those who have the most at stake in the success of the national team. With the right leadership, Oliech believes that Kenyan football can return to its former glory, with former players playing a central role in the development of the sport.
