Dennis Oliech Reveals Why He Rejected Ksh. 800M Offer To Switch His Citizenship To Qatar
Oliech said that if given the chance again, he would accept the offer claiming that Kenya does not appreciate its heroes and heroines. Photos courtesy.
Former Harambee Stars captain and all-time national team top scorer Dennis Oliech reveals the reason he rejected a lucrative offer to change his nationality and represent the middle East country Qatar saying was “probably it was a wise decision.”
In 2004, when Dennis Oliech’s footballing career was at the peak, the goal-poacher, aged only 19 years at the time, received a life-changing offer reported to be above Ksh. 800 million to ditch Kenyan citizenship but the Harambee Stars legendary striker turned down the offer.
It is reported that the offer made by Qatar Football Federation, apart from Oliech receiving Ksh. 800 Million, Kenya was also to benefit with one new fully funded stadium by Qatar, with the reports suggesting that the then Sports Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala had already accepted the deal. However, Dennis Oliech decided to reject the offer to retain his Kenyan citizenship.
READ ALSO: Dennis Oliech Reveals Salary He Used To Be Paid At Gor Mahia
In an interview with one Jalang’o TV, Oliech opened up about the decision to turn down the offer, “I believe I made the right decision. I love my country and would not take anything to change my identity.”
Oliech commonly referred as the Menace however has conflicting opinions concerning the same. In 2021, speaking to Jalang’o TV, Oliech was asked if he regrets rejecting the offer and he said he would have taken up the offer if it came from a European country. “I would say I am 50-50 because right now if I’m offered that amount, I will take it but it’s too late. The way I know Arab countries it was probably a wise decision then. You can have the money but will not enjoy peace. There are people in Kenya working there and they are not having an easy time, if it was a European country, of course, I would have changed my nationality.” Oliech added.
Oliech said that if given the chance again, he would accept the offer claiming that Kenya does not appreciate its heroes and heroines, which he learned about through his personal experience. “If I were given the chance right now, I would take it because Kenya does not appreciate its heroes.”
Oliech’s second regret was when he moved from Europe to the Gulf country Dubai. He says this is what ‘killed’ his football career. “It was the worst decision of my life. My career took a hit when I left Ajaccio for Dubai, that is when I left the European limelight. I wish I remained in France – even if it meant playing in the Second or Third division.”
“I would advise most of the players to go to Europe because it is the best footballing destination, you should only go to Asia when you are about to retire from the game.” Oliech advised the rising footballers.
About The Author
