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{{short description|Kenyan footballer}}
{{short description|Kenyan footballer}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Dennis Oliech
| name = Dennis Oliech
| image = Dennis Oliech.jpg
| image = Dennis Oliech.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| upright = 1.1
| caption =
| caption =
| fullname = Dennis Oguta Oliech<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/dennis-oliech/1390/ |title=Dennis Oliech profile |work=Soccerway |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref>
| full_name = Dennis Oguta Oliech<ref>{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/dennis-oliech/1390/ |title=Dennis Oliech profile |work=Soccerway |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref>
| height = {{height|m=1.81}}
| height = 1.81 m
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|2|2|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|2|2|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Mathare]], [[Nairobi]], Kenya
| birth_place = [[Mathare]], [[Nairobi]], Kenya
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 2001–2003
| youthyears1 = 1998 - 2002
| youthclubs1 = [[Mathare United F.C.|Mathare United]]
| youthclubs1 = [[Mathare United F.C.|Mathare United]]
| years1 = 2003–2005
| years1 = 2002–2003
| clubs1 = [[Al-Arabi SC (Qatar)|Al-Arabi]]
| clubs1 = [[Mathare United F.C.|Mathare United]]
| caps1 =
| caps1 =
| goals1 = 27
| goals1 = 14
| years2 = 2005–2007
| years2 = 2003–2005
| clubs2 = [[FC Nantes|Nantes]]
| clubs2 = [[Al-Arabi SC (Qatar)|Al-Arabi]]
| caps2 = 32
| caps2 = 47
| goals2 = 4
| goals2 = 27
| years3 = 2007–2012
| years3 = 2006–2007
| clubs3 = [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]]
| clubs3 = [[FC Nantes|Nantes]]
| caps3 = 165
| caps3 = 32
| goals3 = 25
| goals3 = 4
| years4 = 2013–2015
| years4 = 2007–2012
| clubs4 = [[AC Ajaccio|Ajaccio]]
| clubs4 = [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]]
| caps4 = 50
| caps4 = 165
| goals4 = 8
| goals4 = 25
| years5 = 2015
| years5 = 2013–2015
| clubs5 = [[Dubai CSC]]
| clubs5 = [[AC Ajaccio|Ajaccio]]
| caps5 = 10
| caps5 = 50
| goals5 = 4
| goals5 = 8
| clubs6 = [[Gor Mahia]]
| years6 = 2015
| years6 = 2019
| clubs6 = [[Dubai CSC]]
| caps6 = 19
| caps6 = 10
| goals6 = 5
| goals6 = 4
| years7 = 2019
| clubs7 = [[Gor Mahia F.C.|Gor Mahia]]
| caps7 = 19
| goals7 = 5
| nationalyears1 = 2002–2016
| nationalyears1 = 2002–2016
| nationalteam1 = [[Kenya national football team|Kenya]]<ref name="rsssf.com">[http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/oliech-intlg.html Dennis Oguta Oliech – Goals in International Matches]</ref>
| nationalteam1 = [[Kenya national football team|Kenya]]<ref name="rsssf.com">[https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/oliech-intlg.html Dennis Oguta Oliech – Goals in International Matches]</ref>
| nationalcaps1 = 76
| nationalcaps1 = 76
| nationalgoals1 = 34
| nationalgoals1 = 34
| club-update = 11:39, 6 February 2021 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 6 September 2021
}}
}}


'''Dennis Oguta Oliech'''
'''Dennis Oguta Oliech'''
({{IPA-all|ˈdɛnɪs oˈgutɑ olˈjetʃ|pronounced|Dennis Oguta Oliech.ogg}}; born 2 February 1985) is a Kenyan retired professional [[Association football|football]]er who played as a [[Forward (association football)#Striker|striker]]. As a member of the [[Kenya national football team|Kenya national team]], he became his nation's second all-time goalscorer, behind [[William Ouma|William "Chege" Ouma]] (35 goals), with 34 goals before retiring from international football in 2016. In 2021 during a local interview with Felix Odiwuor, Oliech revealed that his mother would probably be alive if she had remained in Paris, France because she was under proper medical attention. He also appreciated the role played by his sister in her Mum's journey with cancer.
({{IPA-all|ˈdɛnɪs oˈgutɑ olˈjetʃ|pronounced|Dennis Oguta Oliech.ogg}}; born 2 February 1985) is a Kenyan former professional [[Association football|football]]er who played as a [[Forward (association football)#Striker|striker]]. As a member of the [[Kenya national football team|Kenya national team]], he became his nation's second all-time goalscorer, behind [[William Ouma|William "Chege" Ouma]] (35 goals), with 34 goals before retiring from international football in 2016.


==Club career==
==Club career==
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Oliech turned professional in 2003 playing for [[Al-Arabi SC (Qatar)|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200402040383.html |title=It's OK For Oliech to Hold Out For a Better Deal |format=reprint, registration & fee required |newspaper=The East African Standard |location=Kenya |publisher=allAfrica |date=2 February 2004 |access-date=16 November 2011 }}</ref> At age nineteen, Oliech was named by The Guardian newspaper as one of the world's most promising young players in a list which included future stars such as Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.<ref>{{cite news|title=The world's most wanted young players|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/28/newsstory.sport7?INTCMP=SRCH|work=The Guardian|date=28 January 2004|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
Oliech turned professional in 2003 playing for [[Al-Arabi SC (Qatar)|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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200402040383.html |title=It's OK For Oliech to Hold Out For a Better Deal |format=reprint, registration & fee required |newspaper=The East African Standard |location=Kenya |publisher=allAfrica |date=2 February 2004 |access-date=16 November 2011 }}</ref> At age nineteen, Oliech was named by The Guardian newspaper as one of the world's most promising young players in a list which included future stars such as Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.<ref>{{cite news|title=The world's most wanted young players|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/jan/28/newsstory.sport7?INTCMP=SRCH|work=The Guardian|date=28 January 2004|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
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 [[AS Monaco FC|Monaco]] to sign Oliech.<ref name="allAfrica">{{cite news|title=Kenya: Qatar Club Turns Down Monaco's Offer for Oliech|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200502080198.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=8 February 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Oliech missing for Kenya">{{cite news|title=Oliech missing for Kenya|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4586415.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2005|access-date= 1 August 2013}}</ref> His goalscoring form is well known for goal poacher.<ref name="allafrica.com">{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech's Journey to the Top Has Started|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200511071141.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 November 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
While at Qatar, Oliech played alongside [[Stefan Effenberg]] and [[Gabriel Batistuta]] during their time at Qatar. He quoted "Batistuta told me, 'Oliech just run and fall in the box and leave the penalty for me'." In 2005, Al-Arabi turned down a Sh100m offer from [[AS Monaco FC|Monaco]] to sign Oliech.<ref name="allAfrica">{{cite news|title=Kenya: Qatar Club Turns Down Monaco's Offer for Oliech|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200502080198.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=8 February 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Oliech missing for Kenya">{{cite news|title=Oliech missing for Kenya|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4586415.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2005|access-date= 1 August 2013}}</ref> His goalscoring form is well known for goal poacher.<ref name="allafrica.com">{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech's Journey to the Top Has Started|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200511071141.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 November 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

While at Qatar, Oliech played alongside [[Stefan Effenberg]] and [[Gabriel Batistuta]] during their time at Qatar. He quoted "Batistuta told me, 'Oliech just run and fall in the box and leave the penalty for me'." In 2005, Al-Arabi turned down a Sh100m offer from [[AS Monaco FC|Monaco]] to sign Oliech.<ref name="allAfrica"/> 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.<ref name="Oliech missing for Kenya"/> His goalscoring form is well known for goal poacher.<ref name="allafrica.com"/>


===Nantes===
===Nantes===
In 2005, Oliech signed a four-year contract with the French Ligue 1 team [[FC Nantes|Nantes]], with the fee of $3.7&nbsp;million ([[Kenya shilling|Ksh.]] 281.2&nbsp;million).<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Nantes Sign Up Kenyan Star From Qatar|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200510270765.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=28 October 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Upon the move in January, Oliech was given a number nine shirt.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: French Giants Sign Oliech|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200512290290.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=29 December 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> However, his youth club Mathare United claims Nantes owed them Sh14m,<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Top Lawyers Hired to Press Sh14m Claim|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200601130750.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=14 January 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> but the claims were dismissed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Club Seeks Sh14m From Nantes Over Striker|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200601130752.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=14 January 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
In 2005, Oliech signed a four-year contract with the French Ligue 1 team [[FC Nantes|Nantes]], with a fee of $3.7&nbsp;million ([[Kenyan shilling|KSh.]]281.2&nbsp;million/=).<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Nantes Sign Up Kenyan Star From Qatar|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200510270765.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=28 October 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Upon the move in January, Oliech was given a number nine shirt.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: French Giants Sign Oliech|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200512290290.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=29 December 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> However, his youth club Mathare United claims Nantes owed them Sh14m,<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Top Lawyers Hired to Press Sh14m Claim|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200601130750.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=14 January 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> but the claims were dismissed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Club Seeks Sh14m From Nantes Over Striker|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200601130752.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=14 January 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>


Shortly after signing for Nantes, Oliech hadn't made a great start in France after a knee operation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Poor Start for Oliech's New Team|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200601050534.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 January 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Then, thirty-days later, he was given all-clear by the doctors and returned to training.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Cleared to Train By Nantes Doctors|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200602060714.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 February 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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 [[OSC Lille|Lille]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech's Nantes Debut|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200603131141.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=14 March 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Three weeks later, on 1 April 2006, Oliech scored his first goal, in the [[2005–06 Coupe de France#Round of 16|round of 16 in the Coupe de France]] to send them to the quarter-final, in a 1–0 win over [[Dijon FCO|Dijon]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Scores His First Goal As Nantes Win|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200603220645.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=23 March 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> and his second goal was followed up in the league match, in a 3–1 loss against [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Nets Second Goal|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200604031012.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=4 April 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Later in the 2005–06 season, Oliech made nine appearances and scoring twice.
Shortly after signing for Nantes, Oliech hadn't made a great start in France after a knee operation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Poor Start for Oliech's New Team|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200601050534.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 January 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Then, thirty days later, he was given all-clear by the doctors and returned to training.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Cleared to Train By Nantes Doctors|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200602060714.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 February 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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 [[OSC Lille|Lille]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech's Nantes Debut|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200603131141.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=14 March 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Three weeks later, on 1 April 2006, Oliech scored his first goal, in the [[2005–06 Coupe de France#Round of 16|round of 16 in the Coupe de France]] to send them to the quarter-final, in a 1–0 win over [[Dijon FCO|Dijon]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Scores His First Goal As Nantes Win|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200603220645.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=23 March 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> and his second goal was followed up in the league match, in a 3–1 loss against [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Nets Second Goal|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200604031012.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=4 April 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Later in the 2005–06 season, Oliech made nine appearances and scoring twice.


In the 2006–07 season, Oliech scored four times in thirty-two appearances and the season was proved to be difficult for him, as he soon lost his first team place.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Soccer – Oliech Back to the Basics|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200612061226.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=7 December 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Despite lack of first team opportunities and linked with a Premier League club, Oliech says he is happy at the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Says He's Happy At Nantes|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200612290445.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=29 December 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> However, FC Nantes were relegated in 2007 after finishing bottom of Ligue 1.
In the 2006–07 season, Oliech scored four times in thirty-two appearances and the season was proved to be difficult for him, as he soon lost his first team place.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Soccer – Oliech Back to the Basics|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200612061226.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=7 December 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Despite lack of first team opportunities and linked with a Premier League club, Oliech says he is happy at the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Says He's Happy At Nantes|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200612290445.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=29 December 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> However, FC Nantes were relegated in 2007 after finishing bottom of Ligue 1.
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In the summer transfer window, Oliech was signed on loan by [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]] who were in need of goals after a bad start to their season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Foot – Transfers Nantais Oliech Auxerre|trans-title=Foot – Transferts Le Nantais Oliech à Auxerre|url=http://www2.lequipe.fr/redirect-v6/homes_65/Football/breves2007/20070830_181443Dev.html|publisher=L'Equipe|language=fr| date=30 August 2007|access-date=9 August 2013}}{{dead link|date=September 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> After two months absent, Oliech finally made his debut, in a 5–3 win over [[FC Lorient|Lorient]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Debuts for Auxerre|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200710241124.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=25 October 2007|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> After making ten appearances so far in the 2007–08 season, Auxerre signed him on a permanent basis from Nantes in January and keeping him until 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Foot – L1 – Auxerre Oliech until 2011|trans-title=Foot – L1 – Auxerre Oliech jusqu'en 2011|url=http://www2.lequipe.fr/redirect-v6/homes_65/Football/breves2008/20080108_174749Dev.html|publisher=L'Equipe|language=fr|date=8 January 2008|access-date=9 August 2013}}{{dead link|date=September 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Later in the 2007/2008 season, Oliech scored three goals in 24 games, including a brace against [[Stade Rennais F.C.|Rennes]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rennes-Auxerre 1–2|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story?id=506716&src=mobile&cc=5739|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=9 February 2008|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
In the summer transfer window, Oliech was signed on loan by [[AJ Auxerre|Auxerre]] who were in need of goals after a bad start to their season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Foot – Transfers Nantais Oliech Auxerre|trans-title=Foot – Transferts Le Nantais Oliech à Auxerre|url=http://www2.lequipe.fr/redirect-v6/homes_65/Football/breves2007/20070830_181443Dev.html|publisher=L'Equipe|language=fr| date=30 August 2007|access-date=9 August 2013}}{{dead link|date=September 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> After two months absent, Oliech finally made his debut, in a 5–3 win over [[FC Lorient|Lorient]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Debuts for Auxerre|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200710241124.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=25 October 2007|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> After making ten appearances so far in the 2007–08 season, Auxerre signed him on a permanent basis from Nantes in January and keeping him until 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Foot – L1 – Auxerre Oliech until 2011|trans-title=Foot – L1 – Auxerre Oliech jusqu'en 2011|url=http://www2.lequipe.fr/redirect-v6/homes_65/Football/breves2008/20080108_174749Dev.html|publisher=L'Equipe|language=fr|date=8 January 2008|access-date=9 August 2013}}{{dead link|date=September 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Later in the 2007/2008 season, Oliech scored three goals in 24 games, including a brace against [[Stade Rennais F.C.|Rennes]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rennes-Auxerre 1–2|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story?id=506716&src=mobile&cc=5739|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=9 February 2008|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>


He endured what were considered below-average seasons by most in the 2008–09 (scoring three goals in thirty-three appearances in all competitions) and 2009–10 season (scoring four goal in thirty-seven appearances in all competitions), as his form dropped badly, due to his making 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya/Uganda: Stars Skipper Oliech Firing On All Cylinders|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201010060028.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=5 October 2010|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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 [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] in Matchday Three in the Champions League Group-Stage.<ref>{{cite news|title=Roma stunned by brilliant Basle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9108175.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2010|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Pens Auxerre Extension|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201101070150.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 January 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> At the end of the 2010–11 season, Oliech scored four times in forty-three appearances.
He endured what were considered below-average seasons by most in the 2008–09 (scoring three goals in thirty three appearances in all competitions) and 2009–10 season (scoring four goals in thirty seven appearances in all competitions), as his form dropped badly, due to him making several match deciding errors and misjudgments. 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya/Uganda: Stars Skipper Oliech Firing On All Cylinders|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201010060028.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=5 October 2010|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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 [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]] in Matchday Three in the Champions League Group-Stage.<ref>{{cite news|title=Roma stunned by brilliant Basle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9108175.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2010|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Pens Auxerre Extension|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201101070150.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=6 January 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> At the end of the 2010–11 season, Oliech scored four times in forty-three appearances.


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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech hat trick lifts Auxerre past Sochaux|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/09/25/oliech-hat-trick-lifts-auxerre-past-sochaux/|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=25 September 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Soon after in early-December, Oliech scored two goals in two consecutive matches, against [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|PSG]] and [[OGC Nice|Nice]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech for a surprise ...|trans-title=Oliech, pour une surprise...|url=http://sports.orange.fr/football/ligue-1/articles/oliech-pour-une-surprise-477336/|publisher=Orange Sport|language=fr|date=13 December 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Though later in the season, his form dropped badly, due to making 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.
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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech hat trick lifts Auxerre past Sochaux|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/oliech-hat-trick-lifts-auxerre-past-sochaux/|publisher=Fox News Channel|date=25 September 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Soon after, in early December, Oliech scored two goals in two consecutive matches, against [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|PSG]] and [[OGC Nice|Nice]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech for a surprise ...|trans-title=Oliech, pour une surprise...|url=http://sports.orange.fr/football/ligue-1/articles/oliech-pour-une-surprise-477336/|publisher=Orange Sport|language=fr|date=13 December 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Though later in the season, his form dropped badly, due to making 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sochaux active|trans-title=Foot – Transferts : Sochaux s'active|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Sochaux-s-active/292423|publisher=L'Equipe|language=fr|date=19 June 2012|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Oliech was close of joining Turkish side [[Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü|Kasımpaşa]] for worth two million and contract detail of three years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech in Turkey for 2 million|trans-title=Oliech en Turquie pour 2 millions d’euros|url=http://www.afriquinfos.com/articles/2012/7/12/oliech-turquie-pour-millions-deuros-206221.asp|publisher=Afriquinfos|language=fr|date=12 July 2012|access-date=9 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213011017/http://www.afriquinfos.com/articles/2012/7/12/oliech-turquie-pour-millions-deuros-206221.asp|archive-date=13 December 2013}}</ref> But unfortunately, the move couldn't be agreed and he made a return to Auxerre.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dennis Oliech back in training yesterday|trans-title=Dennis Oliech de retour à l'entraînement hier|url=http://www.lyonne.fr/yonne/actualite/pays/auxerrois/2012/07/25/dennis-oliech-de-retour-a-l-entrainement-hier-1230077.html|publisher=Lyonne.fr|language=fr|date=25 July 2012|access-date=9 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102215747/http://www.lyonne.fr/yonne/actualite/pays/auxerrois/2012/07/25/dennis-oliech-de-retour-a-l-entrainement-hier-1230077.html|archive-date=2 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech's Move to Turkish Side Hits Snag|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201207280034.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=27 July 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> In the 2012–13 season, Oliech would score three goals in seventeen league appearances in the first half of the season.
At the end of the 2011–12 season, Oliech had since attracted interests from clubs around Europe and France and was expected to leave the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sochaux active|trans-title=Foot – Transferts : Sochaux s'active|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Sochaux-s-active/292423|publisher=L'Equipe|language=fr|date=19 June 2012|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Oliech was close to joining Turkish side [[Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü|Kasımpaşa]] for two million and contract detail of three years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech in Turkey for 2 million|trans-title=Oliech en Turquie pour 2 millions d’euros|url=http://www.afriquinfos.com/articles/2012/7/12/oliech-turquie-pour-millions-deuros-206221.asp|publisher=Afriquinfos|language=fr|date=12 July 2012|access-date=9 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213011017/http://www.afriquinfos.com/articles/2012/7/12/oliech-turquie-pour-millions-deuros-206221.asp|archive-date=13 December 2013}}</ref> But unfortunately, the move couldn't be agreed and he made a return to Auxerre.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dennis Oliech back in training yesterday|trans-title=Dennis Oliech de retour à l'entraînement hier|url=http://www.lyonne.fr/yonne/actualite/pays/auxerrois/2012/07/25/dennis-oliech-de-retour-a-l-entrainement-hier-1230077.html|publisher=Lyonne.fr|language=fr|date=25 July 2012|access-date=9 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102215747/http://www.lyonne.fr/yonne/actualite/pays/auxerrois/2012/07/25/dennis-oliech-de-retour-a-l-entrainement-hier-1230077.html|archive-date=2 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech's Move to Turkish Side Hits Snag|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201207280034.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=27 July 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> In the 2012–13 season, Oliech would score three goals in seventeen league appearances in the first half of the season.


===Ajaccio===
===Ajaccio===
In the January transfer window, Oliech announced he wanted to leave Auxerre, ending a six-year association with the club on 15 January 2013, so he could take on a fresh challenge.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya striker Dennis Oliech could quit French Ligue 2 side Auxerre FC in January|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4522/kenya/2013/01/15/3673227/kenya-striker-dennis-oliech-could-quit-french-ligue-2-side|publisher=Goal.com|date=15 January 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> On 22 January 2013, Oliech was unveiled by [[AC Ajaccio|Ajaccio]] of Ligue 1 after completing a move from Ligue 2 side Auxerre and signing a two and a half-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya striker and captain Dennis Oliech completes switch from Auxerre to AC Ajaccio|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4539/transfer-zone/2013/01/22/3691509/kenya-striker-and-captain-dennis-oliech-completes-switch|publisher=Goal.com|date=22 January 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya captain Dennis Oliech delighted to have made comeback to Ligue One|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4522/kenya/2013/01/31/3714560/kenya-captain-dennis-oliech-delighted-to-have-made-comeback|publisher=Goal.com|date=31 January 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
In the January transfer window, Oliech announced he wanted to leave Auxerre, ending a six-year association with the club on 15 January 2013, so he could take on a fresh challenge.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya striker Dennis Oliech could quit French Ligue 2 side Auxerre FC in January|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4522/kenya/2013/01/15/3673227/kenya-striker-dennis-oliech-could-quit-french-ligue-2-side|publisher=Goal.com|date=15 January 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> On 22 January 2013, Oliech was unveiled by [[AC Ajaccio|Ajaccio]] of Ligue 1 after completing a move from Ligue 2 side Auxerre and signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya striker and captain Dennis Oliech completes switch from Auxerre to AC Ajaccio|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4539/transfer-zone/2013/01/22/3691509/kenya-striker-and-captain-dennis-oliech-completes-switch|publisher=Goal.com|date=22 January 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya captain Dennis Oliech delighted to have made comeback to Ligue One|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4522/kenya/2013/01/31/3714560/kenya-captain-dennis-oliech-delighted-to-have-made-comeback|publisher=Goal.com|date=31 January 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>


===Dubai CSC===
===Dubai CSC===
On 12 February 2015, Oliech terminated his contract with AC Ajaccio, which was to run until June 2015 on mutual consent. The club then announced that Oliech would join [[UAE Arabian Gulf League]] side [[Al-Nasr Dubai SC|Al-Nasr]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ac-ajaccio.com/Brevi/Dennis_Oliech_quitte_le_club-06173 |title=Dennis Oliech quitte le club |date=12 February 2015 |publisher=[[AC Ajaccio|Athletic Club Ajaccio]] |language=fr |access-date=29 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402122410/http://www.ac-ajaccio.com/Brevi/Dennis_Oliech_quitte_le_club-06173 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, on 21 April 2015, it was confirmed that Oliech had joined [[Dubai CSC]] in the [[UAE Division 1]] league and not Al-Nasr.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/oliechas-new-club-confirmed |title=Oliech's new club confirmed |date=21 April 2015 |author=Vincent Opiyo |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115101704/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/oliechas-new-club-confirmed |archive-date=15 January 2016 }}</ref>
On 12 February 2015, Oliech terminated his contract with AC Ajaccio, which was to run until June 2015 on mutual consent. The club then announced that Oliech would join [[UAE Arabian Gulf League]] side [[Al-Nasr Dubai SC|Al-Nasr]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ac-ajaccio.com/Brevi/Dennis_Oliech_quitte_le_club-06173 |title=Dennis Oliech quitte le club |date=12 February 2015 |publisher=[[AC Ajaccio|Athletic Club Ajaccio]] |language=fr |access-date=29 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402122410/http://www.ac-ajaccio.com/Brevi/Dennis_Oliech_quitte_le_club-06173 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, on 21 April 2015, it was confirmed that Oliech had joined [[Dubai CSC]] in the [[UAE Division 1]] league and not Al-Nasr.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/oliechas-new-club-confirmed |title=Oliech's new club confirmed |date=21 April 2015 |author=Vincent Opiyo |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115101704/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/oliechas-new-club-confirmed |archive-date=15 January 2016}}</ref>


===Gor Mahia===
===Gor Mahia===
On 2 January 2019, 33-year-old Dennis Oliech agreed to a two-year contract with Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, becoming the highest paid footballer in the country at a fee of Kshs.350,000.

On 2 January 2019, 33-year-old Dennis Oliech agreed a two-year contract with Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, becoming the highest paid footballer in the country at a fee of Kshs.350,000.


==International career==
==International career==
[[File:LG Cup Africa 2011 Best Player.jpg|thumb|right|Oliech at the 2011 [[LG Cup (association football)|LG Cup]] in [[Nairobi]]]]
[[File:LG Cup Africa 2011 Best Player.jpg|thumb|right|Oliech at the 2011 [[LG Cup (association football)|LG Cup]] in [[Nairobi]]]]
His first international match was in 2002, when [[Kenya national football team|Kenya]] lost to [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] 3–0.
His first international match was in 2002 when [[Kenya national football team|Kenya]] lost to [[Nigeria national football team|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rsssf.com/tablese/eastcentrafr.html#02 |title=East and Central African Championship (CECAFA), Tanzania, Nov–Dec, 2002 |access-date=1 July 2013 }}</ref>
He scored five goals at the [[2002 CECAFA Cup]], leading Kenya to the title as well as getting the top scorer award.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eastcentrafr.html |title=East and Central African Championship (CECAFA), Tanzania, Nov–Dec, 2002 |access-date=1 July 2013 }}</ref>


Oliech scored three goals, including the winning goal against [[Cape Verde national football team|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 national football team|Burkina Faso]] in the [[2004 African Cup of Nations]] itself.
Oliech scored three goals, including the winning goal against [[Cape Verde national football team|Cape Verde Islands]] in the final match of the [[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 national football team|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 officials from the [[Kenya Football Federation]] (KFF) told him was owed them US$1,700.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech refuses to travel|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4599611.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=1 June 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> His mother defended him, believing he has a right to demand for his money from the Kenya Football Federation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Federation Mistreated My Son, Claims Oliech's Mother|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200506020309.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=2 June 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Days before that, Oliech injured his knee ahead of a 2006 World Cup qualifier,<ref name="Oliech missing for Kenya"/> but later revealed he quickly recovered from the minor injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech: "I'm fit"|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4593751.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Eight days later, Oliech apologised for his behaviour over the entire situation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Apologises to Kenyans|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200506090325.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=9 June 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
In 2005, Oliech sparked controversy when he refused to join the national team squad. This decision came after officials from the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) failed to pay him US$1,700, money he claimed was owed to him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech refuses to travel|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4599611.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=1 June 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> His mother defended him, believing he had a right to demand his money from the Kenya Football Federation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Federation Mistreated My Son, Claims Oliech's Mother|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200506020309.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=2 June 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Days before that, Oliech injured his knee ahead of a 2006 World Cup qualifier,<ref name="Oliech missing for Kenya"/> but later revealed he quickly recovered from the minor injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oliech: "I'm fit"|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4593751.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> Eight days later, Oliech apologised for his behaviour over the entire situation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Apologises to Kenyans|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200506090325.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=9 June 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>


On 24 March 2016, Oliech announced his retirement from international football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000196036/dennis-oliech-announces-retirement-from-international-football |title=Dennis Oliech announces retirement from international football |date=25 March 2016 |first=Gilbert |last=Wandera |work=[[The Standard (Kenya)|Game Yetu!]] |access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref>
On 24 March 2016, Oliech announced his retirement from international football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2000196036/dennis-oliech-announces-retirement-from-international-football |title=Dennis Oliech announces retirement from international football |date=25 March 2016 |first=Gilbert |last=Wandera |work=[[The Standard (Kenya)|Game Yetu!]] |access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref>


Most Kenyans believe Oliech's biggest match was against Cape Verd when he scored a last minute goal to allow Harambee Stars qualify for AFCON Championship in 2004. When asked about his biggest match for the national team, he said "for us football strikers, all matches are big because we have to score. If we don't score then that match wasn't big."
Most Kenyans believe Oliech's biggest match was against Cape Verd when he scored a last minute goal to allow Harambee Stars to qualify for AFCON Championship in 2004. When asked about his biggest match for the national team, he said "for us football strikers, all matches are big because we have to score. If we don't score then that match wasn't big."


==Personal life==
===International goals===
Oliech's older brother, Nixon Onywanda, is the coach of the Kenyan side [[Dagoretti Santos]] (for which Oliech once played).<ref>The Standard, 15 April 2009: KPL slaps three-month ban on Denis Oliech's brother</ref> Oliech has a son with his girlfriend and drives a Porche car and lives in an expansive house.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Celebrity Lifestyle for Oliech|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200609010128.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=1 September 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> In June 2011, Oliech purchased himself a new car, the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 series.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Denis Oliech's New Ride|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201106272261.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=27 June 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
:''Scores and results list Kenya's goal tally first.''<ref name="rsssf.com">[http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/oliech-intlg.html Dennis Oguta Oliech – Goals in International Matches]</ref>

{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="font-size:90%"
In late 2005, a warrant of arrest was issued against Oliech after he failed to appear in court to answer to assault charges raised against him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Faces Arrest After Skipping Case|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200512011081.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=2 December 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>
! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition

In late May 2006, Oliech was admitted to hospital after a disagreement, which led to a brawl and left him with face injuries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Treated for Face Injuries At City Hospital|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200605250837.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=25 May 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> This just came after being in hospital following his injury in the exhibition match in Maringo during a local tournament.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech is Admitted to Hospital|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200605230708.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=24 May 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
| 1. || 7 September 2002 || [[Moi International Sports Centre]], [[Nairobi]] || {{fb|TOG}} || <center>3–0</center> || <center>3–0</center> || [[2004 African Cup of Nations qualification|2004 African Cup of Nations qualifier]]
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup
!colspan="2"|League cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
| 2. || 3 December 2002 || [[CCM Kirumba Stadium]], [[Mwanza]] || {{fb|BDI}} || <center>1–0</center> || <center>1–1</center> || [[2002 CECAFA Cup]]
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Al-Arabi SC (Qatar)|Al-Arabi]]
|[[2003–04 Qatar Stars League|2003–04]]<ref name="nft">{{NFT|3568}}</ref>
|rowspan="3"|[[Qatar Stars League]]
|||3||||||||||||||||||||
|-
|[[2004–05 Qatar Stars League|2004–05]]<ref name="nft"/>
|||21||||||||||||||||||||
|-
|[[2005–06 Qatar Stars League|2005–06]]<ref name="nft"/>
|||3||||||||||||||||||||
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!!!27!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|}

===International===
:''Scores and results list Kenya's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Oliech goal.''


{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Dennis Oliech<ref name="rsssf.com">[https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/oliech-intlg.html Dennis Oguta Oliech – Goals in International Matches]</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="col"|No.
| 3. || rowspan=2 | 6 December 2002 || rowspan=2 | [[Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium|National Stadium]], [[Dar es Salaam]] || rowspan=2 | {{fb|ERI}} || <center>2–0</center> || rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;" | 4–1 || rowspan=2 | 2002 CECAFA Cup
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|1 || 7 September 2002 || [[Moi International Sports Centre]], [[Nairobi]], Kenya || {{fb|TOG}} || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || [[2004 African Cup of Nations qualification|2004 African Cup of Nations qualifier]]
| 4. || <center>3–1</center>
|-
|-
| 5. || 9 December 2002 || National Stadium, Dar es Salaam || {{fb|SUD}} || <center>1–0</center> || <center>1–0</center> || 2002 CECAFA Cup
| style="text-align:center"|2 || 3 December 2002 || [[CCM Kirumba Stadium]], [[Mwanza]], Tanzania || {{fb|BDI}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || [[2002 CECAFA Cup]]
|-
|-
| 6. || 14 December 2002 || National Stadium, Dar es Salaam || {{fb|TAN}} || <center>3–2</center> || <center>3–2</center> || 2002 CECAFA Cup
| style="text-align:center"|3 || rowspan="2"|6 December 2002 || rowspan="2"|[[Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium|National Stadium]], [[Dar es Salaam]], Tanzania || rowspan="2"|{{fb|ERI}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–1 || rowspan="2"|2002 CECAFA Cup
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|4 || style="text-align:center"|3–1
| 7. || 15 March 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|UGA}} || <center>2–0</center> || <center>2–2</center> || [[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
|-
|-
| 8. || 23 March 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|TAN}} || <center>3–0</center> || <center>4–0</center> || Friendly
| style="text-align:center"|5 || 9 December 2002 || National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania || {{fb|SUD}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || 2002 CECAFA Cup
|-
|-
| 9. || 29 March 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|MTN|1959}} || <center>3–0</center> || <center>4–0</center> || 2004 African Cup of Nations qualification
| style="text-align:center"|6 || 14 December 2002 || National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania || {{fb|TAN}} || style="text-align:center"|3–2 || style="text-align:center"|3–2 || 2002 CECAFA Cup
|-
|-
| 10. || 31 May 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|TTO}} || <center>1–1</center> || <center>1–1</center> || Friendly
| style="text-align:center"|7 || 15 March 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|UGA}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–2 || [[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
|-
|-
| 11. || 13 June 2003 || [[Accra Sports Stadium]], [[Accra]] || {{fb|GHA}} || <center>2–0</center> || <center>3–1</center> || Friendly
| style="text-align:center"|8 || 23 March 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|TAN}} || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || Friendly
|-
|-
| 12. || 5 July 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|CPV}} || <center>1–0</center> || <center>1–0</center> || 2004 African Cup of Nations qualification
| style="text-align:center"|9 || 29 March 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|MTN|1959}} || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || 2004 African Cup of Nations qualification
|-
|-
| 13. || rowspan=2 | 15 November 2003 || rowspan=2 | Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || rowspan=2 | {{fb|TAN}} || <center>1–0</center> || rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;" | 3–0 || rowspan=2 | [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group 5|2006 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
| style="text-align:center"|10 || 31 May 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|TTO}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || Friendly
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|11 || 13 June 2003 || [[Accra Sports Stadium]], [[Accra]], Ghana || {{fb|GHA}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–1 || Friendly
| 14. || <center>3–0</center>
|-
|-
| 15. || 2 February 2004 || [[Stade 15 Octobre]], [[Bizerte]] || {{fb|BFA}} || <center>2–0</center> || <center>3–0</center> || [[2004 Africa Cup of Nations]]
| style="text-align:center"|12 || 5 July 2003 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|CPV}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || 2004 African Cup of Nations qualification
|-
|-
| 16. || 4 September 2004 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|MWI}} || <center>2–0</center> || <center>3–2</center> || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
| style="text-align:center"|13 || rowspan="2"|15 November 2003 || rowspan="2"|Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || rowspan="2"|{{fb|TAN}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0 || rowspan="2"|[[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group 5|2006 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|14 || style="text-align:center"|3–0
| 17. || 9 October 2004 || [[Botswana National Stadium|National Stadium]], [[Gaborone]] || {{fb|BOT}} || <center>1–0</center> || <center>1–2</center> || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|-
| 18. || 17 November 2004 || [[Nyayo National Stadium]], Nairobi || {{fb|GUI}} || <center>1–0</center> || <center>2–1</center> || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
| style="text-align:center"|15 || 2 February 2004 || [[Stade 15 Octobre]], [[Bizerte]], Tunis, Tunisia || {{fb|BFA}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–0 || [[2004 Africa Cup of Nations]]
|-
|-
| 19. || 26 March 2005 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|GUI}} || <center>1–0</center> || <center>1–0</center> || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
| style="text-align:center"|16 || 4 September 2004 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|MWI}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|3–2 || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|-
| 20. || 8 September 2007 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi || {{fb|ANG}} || <center>2–1</center> || <center>2–1</center> || [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
| style="text-align:center"|17 || 9 October 2004 || [[Botswana National Stadium|National Stadium]], [[Gaborone]], Botswana || {{fb|BOT}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|-
| 21. || rowspan=2 | 7 June 2008 || rowspan=2 | Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi || rowspan=2 | {{fb|GUI}} || <center>1–0</center> || rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;" | 2–0 || rowspan=2 | [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Second Round|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
| style="text-align:center"|18 || 17 November 2004 || [[Nyayo National Stadium]], Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|GUI}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|19 || 26 March 2005 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|GUI}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
| 22. || <center>2–0</center>
|-
|-
| 23. || 14 June 2008 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi || {{fb|ZIM}} || <center>2–0</center> || <center>2–0</center> || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
| style="text-align:center"|20 || 8 September 2007 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|ANG}} || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || [[2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
|-
|-
| 24. || 12 October 2008 || [[Stade du 28 Septembre]], [[Conakry]] || {{fb|GUI}} || <center>2–3</center> || <center>2–3</center> || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
| style="text-align:center"|21 || rowspan="2"|7 June 2008 || rowspan="2"|Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || rowspan="2"|{{fb|GUI}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–0 || rowspan="2"|[[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|22 || style="text-align:center"|2–0
| 25. || 28 March 2009 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi|| {{fb|TUN}} || <center>1–1</center> || <center>1–2</center> || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Third Round|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|-
| 26. || 14 November 2009 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi || {{fb|NGA}} || <center>1–0</center> || <center>2–3</center> || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
| style="text-align:center"|23 || 14 June 2008 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|ZIM}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|-
| 27. || 25 June 2011 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi || {{fb|SUD}} || <center>1–1</center> || <center>1–2</center> || Friendly
| style="text-align:center"|24 || 12 October 2008 || [[Stade du 28 Septembre]], [[Conakry]], Ivory Coast || {{fb|GUI}} || style="text-align:center"|2–3 || style="text-align:center"|2–3 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|-
| 28. || 3 September 2011 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi || {{fb|GNB}} || <center>2–1</center> || <center>2–1</center> || [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
| style="text-align:center"|25 || 28 March 2009 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|TUN}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF third round|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
|-
| 29. || rowspan=2 | 11 November 2011 || rowspan=2 | [[Stade Linité]], [[Victoria, Seychelles|Victoria]] || rowspan=2 | {{fb|SEY}} || <center>2–0</center> || rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;" | 3–0 || rowspan=2 | [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF First Round|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
| style="text-align:center"|26 || 14 November 2009 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|NGA}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || style="text-align:center"|2–3 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|27 || 25 June 2011 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|SUD}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || Friendly
| 30. || <center>3–0</center>
|-
|-
| 31. || 15 November 2011 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi || {{fb|SEY}} || <center>2–0</center> || <center>4–0</center> || 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
| style="text-align:center"|28 || 3 September 2011 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|GNB}} || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || style="text-align:center"|2–1 || [[2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification]]
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|29 || rowspan="2"|11 November 2011 || rowspan="2"|[[Stade Linité]], [[Victoria, Seychelles|Victoria]], Seychelles || rowspan="2"|{{fb|SEY}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0 || rowspan="2"|[[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF first round|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
| 32. || 16 October 2012 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi || {{fb|RSA}} || <center>1–1</center> || <center>1–2</center> || Friendly
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|30 || style="text-align:center"|3–0
| 33. ||rowspan=2 | 6 February 2013 || rowspan=2 | [[Stade Chedli Zouiten]], [[Tunis]] || rowspan=2 | {{fb|LBY}} || <center>1–0</center> || rowspan=2 style="text-align:center;" | 3–0 || rowspan=2 | Friendly
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center"|31 || 15 November 2011 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|SEY}} || style="text-align:center"|2–0 || style="text-align:center"|4–0 || 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
| 34. || <center>2–0</center>
|-
| style="text-align:center"|32 || 16 October 2012 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|RSA}} || style="text-align:center"|1–1 || style="text-align:center"|1–2 || Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|33 || rowspan="2"|6 February 2013 || rowspan="2"|[[Stade Chedli Zouiten]], [[Tunis]], Tunisia || rowspan="2"|{{fb|LBY}} || style="text-align:center"|1–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0 || rowspan="2"|Friendly
|-
| style="text-align:center"|34 || style="text-align:center"|2–0
|}
|}


==Honours==
==Honours==
'''Kenya'''

===National team===
*[[CECAFA Cup]]: [[2002 CECAFA Cup|2002]]
*[[CECAFA Cup]]: [[2002 CECAFA Cup|2002]]


===Individual===
'''Individual'''
*CECAFA Cup Golden Boot: 2002
*CECAFA Cup Golden Boot: 2002

==Personal life==
Oliech's older brother, Nixon Onywanda, is the coach of the Kenyan side [[Dagoretti Santos]] (for which Oliech once played).<ref>The Standard, 15 April 2009: [http://www.eastandard.net/sports/InsidePage.php?id=1144011654&cid=38& KPL slaps three-month ban on Denis Oliech's brother] {{dead link|date=March 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Oliech has a son with his girlfriend and drives a porche car and lives in an expansive house.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Celebrity Lifestyle for Oliech|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200609010128.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=1 September 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> In June 2011, Oliech purchased himself a new car, the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 series.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Denis Oliech's New Ride|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201106272261.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=27 June 2011|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

In late 2005, a warrant of arrest was issued against Oliech after he failed to appear in court to answer to assault charges raised against him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Faces Arrest After Skipping Case|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200512011081.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=2 December 2005|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

In late-May 2006, Oliech was admitted to hospital after a disagreement, which led to a brawl and left him with face injuries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech Treated for Face Injuries At City Hospital|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200605250837.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=25 May 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> This just came after being in hospital following his injury in the exhibition match in Maringo during a local tournament.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kenya: Oliech is Admitted to Hospital|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200605230708.html|format=reprint, registration & fee required|newspaper=The East African Standard|location=Kenya|publisher=allAfrica|date=24 May 2006|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

Oliech retired from National football in 2016.

In 2021 during an interview with Felix Odiwuor, Oliech highly criticized Kenya's striker Michael Olunga's move to a Qatari club from Japan's J1 league. He pointed out from he's own experience with the league. He said "It's a move I regret to date. It finished my career. The league is so low and it's impossible to go back to a top European League from such leagues. If he had called me or maybe communicate to me via WhatsApp, I could've advised him contrary. It's better to stay in a European League even if you play in division 2 than go to Leagues in the Gulf."


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|3}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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* [http://www.fostats.com/player/351/ Dennis Oliech National Stats] FoStats.com
* [http://www.fostats.com/player/351/ Dennis Oliech National Stats] FoStats.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160704121617/http://www.soka.co.ke/tag/dennis_oliech Dennis Oliech] Soka.co.ke
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160704121617/http://www.soka.co.ke/tag/dennis_oliech Dennis Oliech] Soka.co.ke
* {{NFT player|id=3568}}
* {{NFT player|3568}}


{{Kenya Squad 2004 Africa Cup of Nations}}
{{Kenya Squad 2004 Africa Cup of Nations}}
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[[Category:Kenyan Luo people]]
[[Category:Kenyan Luo people]]
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[[Category:Kenyan men's footballers]]
[[Category:Kenya international footballers]]
[[Category:Kenya men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Kenyan expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:Kenyan expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Association football forwards]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
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[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Qatar]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Qatar]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the United Arab Emirates]]
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[[Category:UAE First Division League players]]
[[Category:UAE First Division League players]]
[[Category:21st-century Kenyan sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 02:58, 19 November 2024

Dennis Oliech
Personal information
Full name Dennis Oguta Oliech[1]
Date of birth (1985-02-02) 2 February 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
1998 - 2002 Mathare United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2003 Mathare United (14)
2003–2005 Al-Arabi 47 (27)
2006–2007 Nantes 32 (4)
2007–2012 Auxerre 165 (25)
2013–2015 Ajaccio 50 (8)
2015 Dubai CSC 10 (4)
2019 Gor Mahia 19 (5)
International career
2002–2016 Kenya[2] 76 (34)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Dennis Oguta Oliech (pronounced [ˈdɛnɪs oˈgutɑ olˈjetʃ] ⓘ; born 2 February 1985) is a Kenyan former professional footballer who played as a striker. As a member of the Kenya national team, he became his nation's second all-time goalscorer, behind William "Chege" Ouma (35 goals), with 34 goals before retiring from international football in 2016.

Club career

[edit]

Early 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,[3] but Mathare United chairman Bob Munro blocked the move from happening.[4]

During Oliech's career with Al-Arabi in Qatar, Oliech was playing under a different middle-east name. At one point he said he even forgot the name and had to be reminded that it was his name.

Oliech 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.[5] At age nineteen, Oliech was named by The Guardian newspaper as one of the world's most promising young players in a list which included future stars such as Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.[6] While at Qatar, Oliech played alongside Stefan Effenberg and Gabriel Batistuta during their time at Qatar. He quoted "Batistuta told me, 'Oliech just run and fall in the box and leave the penalty for me'." In 2005, Al-Arabi turned down a Sh100m offer from Monaco to sign Oliech.[7] 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.[8] His goalscoring form is well known for goal poacher.[9]

Nantes

[edit]

In 2005, Oliech signed a four-year contract with the French Ligue 1 team Nantes, with a fee of $3.7 million (KSh.281.2 million/=).[10] Upon the move in January, Oliech was given a number nine shirt.[11] However, his youth club Mathare United claims Nantes owed them Sh14m,[12] but the claims were dismissed.[13]

Shortly after signing for Nantes, Oliech hadn't made a great start in France after a knee operation.[14] Then, thirty days later, he was given all-clear by the doctors and returned to training.[15] 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.[16] Three weeks later, on 1 April 2006, 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.[17] and his second goal was followed up in the league match, in a 3–1 loss against Marseille.[18] Later in the 2005–06 season, Oliech made nine appearances and scoring twice.

In the 2006–07 season, Oliech scored four times in thirty-two appearances and the season was proved to be difficult for him, as he soon lost his first team place.[19] Despite lack of first team opportunities and linked with a Premier League club, Oliech says he is happy at the club.[20] 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.[21] After two months absent, Oliech finally made his debut, in a 5–3 win over Lorient.[22] After making ten appearances so far in the 2007–08 season, Auxerre signed him on a permanent basis from Nantes in January and keeping him until 2011.[23] Later in the 2007/2008 season, Oliech scored three goals in 24 games, including a brace against Rennes.[24]

He endured what were considered below-average seasons by most in the 2008–09 (scoring three goals in thirty three appearances in all competitions) and 2009–10 season (scoring four goals in thirty seven appearances in all competitions), as his form dropped badly, due to him making several match deciding errors and misjudgments. 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.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27] At the end of the 2010–11 season, Oliech scored four times in forty-three appearances.

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.[28] Soon after, in early December, Oliech scored two goals in two consecutive matches, against PSG and Nice.[29] Though later in the season, his form dropped badly, due to making 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 had since attracted interests from clubs around Europe and France and was expected to leave the club.[30] Oliech was close to joining Turkish side Kasımpaşa for two million and contract detail of three years.[31] But unfortunately, the move couldn't be agreed and he made a return to Auxerre.[32][33] In the 2012–13 season, Oliech would score three goals in seventeen league appearances in the first half of the season.

Ajaccio

[edit]

In the January transfer window, Oliech announced he wanted to leave Auxerre, ending a six-year association with the club on 15 January 2013, so he could take on a fresh challenge.[34] 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.[35] 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.[36]

Dubai CSC

[edit]

On 12 February 2015, Oliech terminated his contract with AC Ajaccio, which was to run until June 2015 on mutual consent. The club then announced that Oliech would join UAE Arabian Gulf League side Al-Nasr.[37] However, on 21 April 2015, it was confirmed that Oliech had joined Dubai CSC in the UAE Division 1 league and not Al-Nasr.[38]

Gor Mahia

[edit]

On 2 January 2019, 33-year-old Dennis Oliech agreed to a two-year contract with Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, becoming the highest paid footballer in the country at a fee of Kshs.350,000.

International career

[edit]
Oliech at the 2011 LG Cup in Nairobi

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.[39]

Oliech scored three goals, including the winning goal against Cape Verde Islands in the final match of the 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 sparked controversy when he refused to join the national team squad. This decision came after officials from the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) failed to pay him US$1,700, money he claimed was owed to him.[40] His mother defended him, believing he had a right to demand his money from the Kenya Football Federation.[41] Days before that, Oliech injured his knee ahead of a 2006 World Cup qualifier,[8] but later revealed he quickly recovered from the minor injury.[42] Eight days later, Oliech apologised for his behaviour over the entire situation.[43]

On 24 March 2016, Oliech announced his retirement from international football.[44]

Most Kenyans believe Oliech's biggest match was against Cape Verd when he scored a last minute goal to allow Harambee Stars to qualify for AFCON Championship in 2004. When asked about his biggest match for the national team, he said "for us football strikers, all matches are big because we have to score. If we don't score then that match wasn't big."

Personal life

[edit]

Oliech's older brother, Nixon Onywanda, is the coach of the Kenyan side Dagoretti Santos (for which Oliech once played).[45] Oliech has a son with his girlfriend and drives a Porche car and lives in an expansive house.[46] In June 2011, Oliech purchased himself a new car, the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 series.[47]

In late 2005, a warrant of arrest was issued against Oliech after he failed to appear in court to answer to assault charges raised against him.[48]

In late May 2006, Oliech was admitted to hospital after a disagreement, which led to a brawl and left him with face injuries.[49] This just came after being in hospital following his injury in the exhibition match in Maringo during a local tournament.[50]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Al-Arabi 2003–04[51] Qatar Stars League 3
2004–05[51] 21
2005–06[51] 3
Total 27

International

[edit]
Scores and results list Kenya's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Oliech goal.
List of international goals scored by Dennis Oliech[2]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 7 September 2002 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Togo 3–0 3–0 2004 African Cup of Nations qualifier
2 3 December 2002 CCM Kirumba Stadium, Mwanza, Tanzania  Burundi 1–0 1–1 2002 CECAFA Cup
3 6 December 2002 National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania  Eritrea 2–0 4–1 2002 CECAFA Cup
4 3–1
5 9 December 2002 National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania  Sudan 1–0 1–0 2002 CECAFA Cup
6 14 December 2002 National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania  Tanzania 3–2 3–2 2002 CECAFA Cup
7 15 March 2003 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Uganda 2–0 2–2 Friendly
8 23 March 2003 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Tanzania 3–0 4–0 Friendly
9 29 March 2003 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Mauritania 3–0 4–0 2004 African Cup of Nations qualification
10 31 May 2003 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Trinidad and Tobago 1–1 1–1 Friendly
11 13 June 2003 Accra Sports Stadium, Accra, Ghana  Ghana 2–0 3–1 Friendly
12 5 July 2003 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Cape Verde 1–0 1–0 2004 African Cup of Nations qualification
13 15 November 2003 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Tanzania 1–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
14 3–0
15 2 February 2004 Stade 15 Octobre, Bizerte, Tunis, Tunisia  Burkina Faso 2–0 3–0 2004 Africa Cup of Nations
16 4 September 2004 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Malawi 2–0 3–2 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
17 9 October 2004 National Stadium, Gaborone, Botswana  Botswana 1–0 1–2 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
18 17 November 2004 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Guinea 1–0 2–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
19 26 March 2005 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Guinea 1–0 1–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
20 8 September 2007 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Angola 2–1 2–1 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
21 7 June 2008 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Guinea 1–0 2–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
22 2–0
23 14 June 2008 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Zimbabwe 2–0 2–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
24 12 October 2008 Stade du 28 Septembre, Conakry, Ivory Coast  Guinea 2–3 2–3 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
25 28 March 2009 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Tunisia 1–1 1–2 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
26 14 November 2009 Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya  Nigeria 1–0 2–3 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
27 25 June 2011 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Sudan 1–1 1–2 Friendly
28 3 September 2011 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Guinea-Bissau 2–1 2–1 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
29 11 November 2011 Stade Linité, Victoria, Seychelles  Seychelles 2–0 3–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
30 3–0
31 15 November 2011 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  Seychelles 2–0 4–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
32 16 October 2012 Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya  South Africa 1–1 1–2 Friendly
33 6 February 2013 Stade Chedli Zouiten, Tunis, Tunisia  Libya 1–0 3–0 Friendly
34 2–0

Honours

[edit]

Kenya

Individual

  • CECAFA Cup Golden Boot: 2002

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Dennis Oliech profile". Soccerway. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  2. ^ a b Dennis Oguta Oliech – Goals in International Matches
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ "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.
  5. ^ "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.
  6. ^ "The world's most wanted young players". The Guardian. 28 January 2004. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  7. ^ "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.
  8. ^ a b "Oliech missing for Kenya". BBC Sport. 27 May 2005. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  9. ^ "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.
  10. ^ "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.
  11. ^ "Kenya: French Giants Sign Oliech" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 29 December 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  12. ^ "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.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ "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.
  16. ^ "Kenya: Oliech's Nantes Debut" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 14 March 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  17. ^ "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.
  18. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Nets Second Goal" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 4 April 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  19. ^ "Kenya: Soccer – Oliech Back to the Basics" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 7 December 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  20. ^ "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.
  21. ^ "Foot – Transfers Nantais Oliech Auxerre" [Foot – Transferts Le Nantais Oliech à Auxerre] (in French). L'Equipe. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2013.[dead link‍]
  22. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Debuts for Auxerre" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 25 October 2007. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  23. ^ "Foot – L1 – Auxerre Oliech until 2011" [Foot – L1 – Auxerre Oliech jusqu'en 2011] (in French). L'Equipe. 8 January 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2013.[dead link‍]
  24. ^ "Rennes-Auxerre 1–2". ESPN Soccernet. 9 February 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  25. ^ "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.
  26. ^ "Roma stunned by brilliant Basle". BBC Sport. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  27. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Pens Auxerre Extension" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 6 January 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  28. ^ "Oliech hat trick lifts Auxerre past Sochaux". Fox News Channel. 25 September 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  29. ^ "Oliech for a surprise ..." [Oliech, pour une surprise...] (in French). Orange Sport. 13 December 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  30. ^ "Sochaux active" [Foot – Transferts : Sochaux s'active] (in French). L'Equipe. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  31. ^ "Oliech in Turkey for 2 million" [Oliech en Turquie pour 2 millions d’euros] (in French). Afriquinfos. 12 July 2012. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  32. ^ "Dennis Oliech back in training yesterday" [Dennis Oliech de retour à l'entraînement hier] (in French). Lyonne.fr. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  33. ^ "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.
  34. ^ "Kenya striker Dennis Oliech could quit French Ligue 2 side Auxerre FC in January". Goal.com. 15 January 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  35. ^ "Kenya striker and captain Dennis Oliech completes switch from Auxerre to AC Ajaccio". Goal.com. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  36. ^ "Kenya captain Dennis Oliech delighted to have made comeback to Ligue One". Goal.com. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  37. ^ "Dennis Oliech quitte le club" (in French). Athletic Club Ajaccio. 12 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  38. ^ Vincent Opiyo (21 April 2015). "Oliech's new club confirmed". Futaa.com. Archived from the original on 15 January 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  39. ^ "East and Central African Championship (CECAFA), Tanzania, Nov–Dec, 2002". Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  40. ^ "Oliech refuses to travel". BBC Sport. 1 June 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  41. ^ "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.
  42. ^ "Oliech: "I'm fit"". BBC Sport. 30 May 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  43. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Apologises to Kenyans" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 9 June 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  44. ^ Wandera, Gilbert (25 March 2016). "Dennis Oliech announces retirement from international football". Game Yetu!. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  45. ^ The Standard, 15 April 2009: KPL slaps three-month ban on Denis Oliech's brother
  46. ^ "Kenya: Celebrity Lifestyle for Oliech" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 1 September 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  47. ^ "Kenya: Denis Oliech's New Ride" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 27 June 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  48. ^ "Kenya: Oliech Faces Arrest After Skipping Case" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 2 December 2005. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  49. ^ "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.
  50. ^ "Kenya: Oliech is Admitted to Hospital" (reprint, registration & fee required). The East African Standard. Kenya: allAfrica. 24 May 2006. Retrieved 9 August 2013.
  51. ^ a b c Dennis Oliech at National-Football-Teams.com
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