Kenyan sports legend Dennis Oliech's impassioned appeal sparks curiosity as the nation awaits his government's demand with bated breath.
Legendary retired Harambee Stars forward Dennis Oliech has urged the government to recognise and support former athletes who once proudly represented Kenya on the international stage.
Oliech voiced his concerns about the plight of retired sports heroes and heroines, many of whom brought glory to the nation during the 1960s and 1970s but now find themselves living in poverty.
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With passion fueled by love for his country and sports that made him a national icon, Oliech emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy that ensures retired athletes receive the care and recognition they rightfully deserve.
“Kenya does not recognize legends, not only in football, but also in athletics, basketball, and boxing. I am still the top scorer for the national team, and they are supposed to pay me every month so that upcoming players can know that their retirement will be catered for,” he said in an interview with Radio 47.
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“In Kenya, we are still not recognising legends. Recently, we were paid Ksh 50,000, but the authorities need to address the issue of retired sportsmen.”
Oliech played a pivotal role in Kenya's football history, notably winning the CECAFA Championships with the national team in 2002 and representing the country at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Over his career, Oliech earned 68 caps with the Harambee Stars, a testament to his consistency and commitment to the sport.
As a young prodigy, Oliech burst onto the international football scene in 2002, and his journey with the national team continued until his retirement from international football in 2016.
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His last appearance on the pitch for Kenya was in 2015 during a 2017 AFCON qualifier in Nairobi, marking the end of an era for one of Kenya's greatest footballing talents.