Dennis Oliech, MacDonald Mariga set for shock Harambee Stars return
Harambee Stars midfielder McDonald Mariga during a training session ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations preliminary match against Comoros on May 16, 2014 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | FILE |
What you need to know:
- The duo have been overlooked by coach Bobby Williamson since he took over from Algerian-born Belgian Adel Amrouche late last year
- Oliech made history when he became the first Kenyan to play in the French Ligue 1 with FC Nantes in 2005 and has been Stars’ stop scorer in the last decade.
- Mariga on the other hand inscribed his name in Kenya’s football history books when became the first Kenyan to win the prestigious Uefa Champions League trophy with Inter Millan in 2010 after joining the Nerazzurri from Parma in January that year.
Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech and veteran midfielder MacDonald Mariga are set to make a shock comeback to the national team, Nation Sport has learnt.
The duo have been overlooked by coach Bobby Williamson since he took over from Algerian-born Belgian Adel Amrouche late last year, but letters seen by the Nation show that they have been recalled for the September 6 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia in Nairobi.
The duo are currently club-less but Nation Sport understands that the Scot wants to have experience in his squad as he gears up for the fixture.
The federation last month dispatched letters to the two informing them of the coach’s desire to have them for the crucial assignment against the Chipolopolo.
EXPERIENCED PLAYERS
The duo alongside Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama are Kenya’s most decorated footballers.
Stars begun their 2017 Afcon journey on a positive note, earning an impressive 1-1 draw against Congo away on June 14, and the Scot is keen to have his young squad benefit from the experience of the two during the rigorous qualification journey.
However, in a phone interview from Scotland where he is currently on holiday, Williamson could neither confirm nor deny whether he has recalled the duo.
“Why are you just concerned about the two? You should be asking about the whole squad. Just be patient till the squad is released. All we want to do is to have a good campaign,” he said. “The aim of course is to win against Zambia and it means we have to prepare well.”
Oliech made history when he became the first Kenyan to play in the French Ligue 1 with FC Nantes in 2005 and has been Stars’ stop scorer in the last decade.
Mariga on the other hand inscribed his name in Kenya’s football history books when became the first Kenyan to win the prestigious Uefa Champions League trophy with Inter Millan in 2010 after joining the Nerazzurri from Parma in January that year.
That memorable season also saw him bag the Italian Serie A and the Coppa Italia under current Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
When he made his decision not to have Oliech in his squad last year, Williamson said: He (Oliech) has done a lot for the country. Everybody appreciates that but it’s a high time we found the next generation of players and that is what I’m working on.”
Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech during a past training session. The games have produced talented players such as national football team player Dennis Oliech, who have gone on to excel internationally, underlining the importance of extracurricular activities. PHOTO | FILE |
Kenya's striker Dennis Oliech (right) shoots at goal as Comoros' defender Bachirou Fouad (centre) and Kenya's midfielder Jamal Mohammed (left) look on during their Africa Cup of Nations Group preliminary round qualifier match at Nyayo Stadium on May 18, 2014. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
Mariga and Oliech last featured for Kenya in the 2015 Afcon qualifier against Lesotho on August 3 last year in Nairobi where Stars bowed out on a 1-0 aggregate loss to the Southern Africa minnows.
