Oliech has revealed the reason Harambee Stars should play friendlies against France and Germany.
Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech believes Kenya should play friendly matches against top nations like France and Germany after managing to stage games against Qatar and Russia earlier this year.
Oliech is a big fan of the initiative by FKF to expose Kenya to such high profile friendlies, saying that Harambee Stars would be in the top 40 or 50 worldwide if they had been taking part in such games as early as from 10 years ago, which would have opened more doors for the players to play in major European Leagues.
The former speedstar, who scored 34 goals in 78 caps for Kenya, spent 10 years playing for different clubs in France, and believes that more friendly matches against high profile nations will expose the current players to being spotted by European scouts.
08:06 - 22.10.2023
FOOTBALL Dennis Oliech makes stance on Harambee Stars as World Cup qualifiers loom
After taking part in high-profile friendly matches this year, legendary striker Dennis Oliech has given his opinion on Harambee Stars ahead of the World Cup qualifiers
“We need now (to face France),” Oliech said, “ But I am happy they are getting a lot of friendlies because in our days, we never had enough competitive friendly matches,” he added.
“We did not have any friendlies in our days. The federation has done something meaningful. In terms of local football, they have underwhelmed but in terms of international preparations for the national team, they have done a good job.
“If the federation had been doing this for the last 10 years, Harambee Stars probably would be even in 40th or 50th place in the FIFA rankings by now.
“We would be having many players playing in England. Apart from Wanyama, we did not have anyone else because of our ranking but if we keep on like this, we will be better.
09:00 - 20.10.2023
FKFPL Dennis Oliech advocates for Ksh100,000 minimum wage for FKFPL players
The former Harambee Stars goal-getter has revealed why football is way off becoming a sport that can contribute to economic growth in Kenya.
“We should seek friendlies against nations like France or Germany.”
Oliech has always championed for European scouts to tap into the vast potential of East Africa.
“It has nothing to do with physique or similar, it has all to do with a lack of exposure,” he said as quoted by DW back in 2022.
“East Africa is a virgin field for scouts and there is a lot of untapped talent.”
19:12 - 23.10.2023
FKFPL Gor Mahia coach McKinstry explains why Benson Omala has been overlooked at Harambee Stars
McKinstry has compared the the 22-year-old to Chelsea great Didier Drogba, revealing that he would have included him in his squad back when he was the Uganda coach.