Dennis Oguta Oliech (Template:IPA-all; born 2 February 1985) is a Kenyan professional footballer who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Ajaccio.

Club career edit

Oliech started playing football for Dagoretti Santos in his earlier years, then Mathare United.. While in his youth career, Oliech went on trial with Ligue 1 side Marseille,[1] but the Mathare chairman's blocked the move from happening.[2]

He turned professional in 2003 playing for Al-Arabi in Qatar until late 2005. In 2004, he was offered a chance to change his citizenship from Kenyan to Qatari. But he refused the offer.[3] At age nineteen, Oliech was named by British newspaper as one of the world's most wanted young players.[4]

While at Qatar, Oliech played alongside Stefan Effenberg and Gabriel Batistuta during their time at Qatar. In 2005, Al-Arabi turned down a Sh100m offer from Monaco to sign Oliech.[5] During the same year, Al-Arabi was told to pay US$15,000 compensation to his youth club by the Fifa's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), as the move to sign Oliech.[6] His goalscoring form is well known for goal poacher.[7]

Nantes edit

In 2005, Oliech signed a four-year contract with the French Ligue 1 team Nantes, with the fee of $3.7 million (Sh281.2 million) and will join the club the transfer window opens in January.[8] Upon the move in January, Oliech was given a number nine shirt.[9] However, his youth club Mathare United claims Nantes owed them Sh14m,[10] but the claims were dismissed.[11]

Shortly after signing for Nantes, Oliech hadn't made a great start in France after a knee operation.[12] Then, thirty-days later, he was given all-clear by the doctors and returned to training.[13] He made his debut, on 11 March 2006, when he came on for Julio Hernán Rossi, in the 66th minute, as Nante drew 1-1 with Lille.[14] Three weeks later, on 1 April 2013, Oliech scored his first goal, in the round of 16 in the Coupe de France to send them to the quarter-final, in a 1-0 win over Dijon.[15] and his second goal was followed up in the league match, in a 3-1 loss against Marseille.[16] Later in the 2005-06 season, Oliech made nine appearance and scoring twice.

In the 2006-07 season, Oliech scored four times in thirty-two appearance and the season was proved to be difficult for him, as he soon lost his first team place.[17] Despite lack of first team opportunities and linked with a Premier League club, Oliech says he is happy at the club.[18] However, FC Nantes were relegated in 2007 after finishing bottom of Ligue 1.

Auxerre edit

In the summer transfer window, Oliech was signed on loan by Auxerre who were in need of goals after a bad start to their season.[19] After two months absent, Oliech finally made his debut, in a 5-3 win over Lorient.[20] After making ten appearance so far in the 2007-08 season, Auxerre signed him on a permanent basis from Nantes in January and keeping him until 2011.[21] Later in the 2007/2008 season, Oliech scored three goals in 24 games, including a brace against Rennes.[22]

He endured what were considered below-average seasons by most in the 2008-09 (scoring three goal in thirty-three appearance in all competitions) and 2009-10 season (scoring four goal in thirty-seven appearance in all competitions), as his form dropped badly, due to made several match deciding errors and misjudgements. Then, in the 2010-11 season, Oliech received more confidence by Manager Jean Fernandez, who gave him more playing time. On 25 September 2010, Oliech scored twice in a 2-2 draw against Rennes.[23] After featuring twice in the Champions League so far, Oliech was sent-off after receiving a second yellow card, in a 2-1 loss against Ajax in Matchday Three in the Champions League Group-Stage.[24] Though Auxerre did badly in the Champions League Group-Stage, finishing last, with one point, Oliech featured five games. On 5 January 2011, He signed a new two-year contract, which he will remain until at least the summer of 2013.[25] At the end of the 2010-11 season, Oliech scored four times in forty-three appearance.

In 2011-12 season changed when the club appointed Laurent Fournier as their new manager. On 25 September 2011, Oliech scored his first ever hat-trick for Auxerre in a 4–1 win over Sochaux. The hat-trick was accomplished within the span of 16 minutes.[26] Soon after in early-December, Oliech scored two goals in two consecutive matches, against PSG and Nice.[27] Though later in the season, his form dropped badly, due to made several match deciding errors and misjudgements, having his goalscoring form had gone less and it couldn't get worse for the club, as they are relegated to Ligue 2, but Oliech was the club's top scorer.

At the end of the 2011-12 season, Oliech have since attracted interests from clubs around Europe and France and expected to leave the club.[28] Oliech was close of joining Turkish side Kasımpaşa for worth two million and contract detail of three years.[29] But unfortunately, the move couldn't be agreed and he made a return to Auxerre.[30][31] In the 2012-13 season, Oliech would score three goals in seventeen league appearance in the first-half of the season.

Ajaccio edit

In the January transfer window, Oliech announced he wants to leave Auxerre, ending six-years association with the club on 15 January 2013, so he can have a fresh challenge.[32] On 22 January 2013, Oliech was unveiled by Ajaccio of Ligue 1 after completing a move from Ligue 2 side Auxerre and signing a two and a half-year contract.[33] He was handed the number 29 jersey and went on to score on his debut against Evian Thonon Gaillard in a 1–1 draw, which he was delighted to score on his debut.[34]

International career edit

His first international match was in 2002, when Kenya lost to Nigeria 3–0.

He scored five goals at the 2002 CECAFA Cup, leading Kenya to the title as well as getting the top scorer award.[35]

Oliech scored three goals, including the winning goal against Cape Verde Islands in the final match of 2004 African Cup of Nations qualification as Kenya qualified for the final tournament. He also scored a goal in a 3–0 win over Burkina Faso in the 2004 African Cup of Nations itself.

In 2005, Oliech made controversy when he refused to join the national team squad after KFF (Kenya Football Federation) officials told him he owned them US$1,700.[36] His mother defended him, believing he has a right to demand for his money from the Kenya Football Federation.[37] Days before that, Oliech injured his knee ahead of Kenya's match in 2006 World Cup qualifier.[6] But then, Oliech revealed he quickly recovered from the minor injury.[38] Eight days later, Oliech, had since, apologised for what he did.[39]

International goals edit

Scores and results list Kenya's goal tally first.

Honours edit

National team edit

Individual edit

  • CECAFA Cup Golden Boot: 2002

Personal life edit

Oliech's older brother, Nixon Onywanda, is the coach of the Kenyan side Dagoretti Santos (for which Oliech once played).[40] Oliech has a son with his girlfriend and drives a posh car and lives in an expansive house.[41] In June 2011, Oliech purchased himself a new car, the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 series.[42]

In late-2005, Oliech faced arrests in Kenya following to failing to appear to court.[43] Then, a second arrest warrant was made for Oliech, with the case appeared to be assault charges.[44]

In late-May 2006, Oliech was admitted to hospital after a disagreement, which led to a brawl and leave him with face injuries.[45] This just come after being in hospital following his injury in the exhibition match in Maringo during a local tournament.[46]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Kenya: Oliech on his way to Olympique Marseille" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 7 April 2003. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  2. ^ "Kenya: Munro Seeks to Block Oliech's Marseille Move" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 17 April 2003. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  3. ^ "It's OK For Oliech to Hold Out For a Better Deal" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 2 February 2004. Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  4. ^ "The world's most wanted young players". The Guardian. 28 January 2004. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  5. ^ "Kenya: Qatar Club Turns Down Monaco's Offer for Oliech" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 8 February 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  6. ^ a b "Oliech missing for Kenya". BBC Sport. 27 May 2005. Retrieved August 2013. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  7. ^ "Kenya: Oliech's Journey to the Top Has Started" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 6 November 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  8. ^ "Kenya: Nantes Sign Up Kenyan Star From Qatar" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 28 October 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  9. ^ "Kenya: French Giants Sign Oliech" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 29 December 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  10. ^ "Kenya: Top Lawyers Hired to Press Sh14m Claim" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 14 January 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  11. ^ "Kenya: Club Seeks Sh14m From Nantes Over Striker" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 14 January 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  12. ^ "Kenya: Poor Start for Oliech's New Team" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 6 January 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  13. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Cleared to Train By Nantes Doctors" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 6 February 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  14. ^ "Kenya: Oliech's Nantes Debut" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 14 March 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  15. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Scores His First Goal As Nantes Win" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 23 March 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  16. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Nets Second Goal" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 4 April 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  17. ^ "Kenya: Soccer - Oliech Back to the Basics" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 7 December 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  18. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Says He's Happy At Nantes" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 29 December 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  19. ^ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Suggestions' not found.
  20. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Debuts for Auxerre" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 25 October 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  21. ^ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Suggestions' not found.
  22. ^ "Rennes-Auxerre 1-2". ESPN Soccernet. 9 February 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  23. ^ "Kenya/Uganda: Stars Skipper Oliech Firing On All Cylinders" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 5 October 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  24. ^ "Roma stunned by brilliant Basle". BBC Sport. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  25. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Pens Auxerre Extension" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 6 January 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  26. ^ "Oliech hat trick lifts Auxerre past Sochaux". Fox News. 25 September 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  27. ^ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Citation/CS1/Suggestions' not found.
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  31. ^ "Kenya: Oliech's Move to Turkish Side Hits Snag" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 27 July 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  32. ^ "Kenya striker Dennis Oliech could quit French Ligue 2 side Auxerre FC in January". Goal.com. 15 January 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  33. ^ "Kenya striker and captain Dennis Oliech completes switch from Auxerre to AC Ajaccio". Goal.com. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  34. ^ "Kenya captain Dennis Oliech delighted to have made comeback to Ligue One". Goal.com. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  35. ^ Script error: No such module "Vorlage:Internetquelle". Abgerufen am 1. Juli 2013.Vorlage:Cite web/temporär
  36. ^ "Oliech refuses to travel". BBC Sport. 1 June 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  37. ^ "Kenya: Federation Mistreated My Son, Claims Oliech's Mother" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 2 June 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  38. ^ "Oliech: "I'm fit"". BBC Sport. 30 May 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  39. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Apologises to Kenyans" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 9 June 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  40. ^ The Standard, 15 April 2009: KPL slaps three-month ban on Denis Oliech’s brother
  41. ^ "Kenya: Celebrity Lifestyle for Oliech" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 1 September 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  42. ^ "Kenya: Denis Oliech's New Ride" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 27 June 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  43. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Faces Arrest After Skipping Case" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 2 December 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  44. ^ "Kenya: Second Arrest Order Issued for Football Star Oliech" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 31 December 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  45. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Treated for Face Injuries At City Hospital" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 25 May 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  46. ^ "Kenya: Oliech is Admitted to Hospital" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 24 May 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.

External links edit

Template:Kenya Squad 2004 Africa Cup of Nations Template:AC Ajaccio squad