Dennis Oliech, one of Kenya’s most iconic footballers, has expressed his belief that the future of the national football team, Harambee Stars, lies in appointing a local coach. According to Oliech, the team’s repeated disappointments on the continental stage highlight the need for a fresh approach, one grounded in local expertise and a deeper understanding of Kenyan football culture.
Harambee Stars recently suffered another setback in their quest for continental success. A 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Morocco. The draw, coupled with earlier inconsistent performances, sealed the team’s fate, leaving them out of Africa’s most prestigious football competition once again. For Oliech, this failure underscores a deeper issue within the team’s leadership and technical direction.
Engin Firat, the Turkish coach who has been at the helm of the Harambee Stars for three years, has faced mounting criticism over his inability to deliver tangible results. When he was appointed, there was significant optimism that his international experience and tactical knowledge would elevate the team to new heights. However, the team’s underwhelming performances have led to growing calls for a change in leadership, with Oliech among those advocating for Firat’s dismissal.
The former Harambee Stars captain, who is celebrated for his remarkable achievements on the pitch, believes that a Kenyan coach is better suited to lead the team forward. Oliech argues that a local coach would have a better grasp of the unique challenges faced by Kenyan footballers and could cultivate a stronger sense of identity and pride within the team. Moreover, he stresses the importance of supporting and nurturing local talent, both on and off the pitch, to foster long-term development.
In his critique, Oliech highlighted the structural issues that have plagued the team despite improvements in logistics and preparation. He pointed out that while the team has been afforded better conditions, including timely training camps and adequate match preparations, the results on the field have not reflected these efforts. This disconnect, he suggests, is a sign that the current technical bench is not the right fit for the team.
Oliech’s call for a local coach comes with a plea for patience and support. He noted that foreign coaches, including Firat, have been given ample time and resources to implement their strategies. Local coaches, he argues, deserve the same level of trust and investment to prove their worth. According to Oliech, a local coach would not only bring tactical expertise but also a deep-seated passion for the country’s success, which could inspire the players to perform at their best.
Kenya has a history of turning to local coaches during pivotal moments. Some of these coaches have managed to deliver memorable performances, demonstrating that homegrown talent can succeed on the big stage. Oliech believes that with the right infrastructure and a clear plan, a local coach could guide the Harambee Stars to success in future tournaments.
The disappointment of missing out on AFCON qualification has sparked a broader conversation about the direction of Kenyan football. Fans and stakeholders are questioning the effectiveness of foreign hires and whether they truly understand the intricacies of Kenyan football. Oliech’s call for a local coach resonates with a growing sentiment among supporters who feel that the national team needs a more authentic and homegrown approach to regain its footing.
Looking ahead, Oliech emphasized the need for immediate action. He urged football authorities to act swiftly in hiring a new coach to allow ample time for planning and preparation. With upcoming tournaments and qualifiers on the horizon, he stressed that the team cannot afford further delays in addressing the technical bench’s shortcomings.
While the road ahead may be challenging, Oliech remains optimistic about the potential of Kenyan football. He believes that with the right leadership, support, and strategy, the Harambee Stars can become a formidable force in African football. His call to prioritize local expertise is not just a critique of the current system but a vision for a brighter, more self-reliant future for Kenyan football.
