Legendary former Harambee Stars striker Dennis 'The Menace' Oliech has been named the official Pamoja Brand Ambassador for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is set to begin this Saturday across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The announcement was made during a special breakfast gathering at Kasarani, attended by former Kenyan internationals and senior officials from the Ministry of Sports, led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
Speaking at the event, CS Mvurya lauded the appointment of Oliech, Kenya’s all-time top scorer, as a significant step in acknowledging the contributions of football greats to the country’s sporting legacy.
“As an ambassador, we believe Oliech will inspire unity and mobilise national support behind Harambee Stars during the tournament,” Mvurya stated.
Oliech’s new role is aimed at enhancing fan engagement and boosting national morale as Kenya prepares to co-host its first CHAN tournament. His deep connection with the game and revered status among local fans are expected to energise the public and reignite passion for the national team.
A prominent figure in Kenyan football since the early 2000s, Oliech made his mark with Mathare United before securing a move to Al-Arabi in Qatar. His European career saw him play for top French clubs Nantes and Auxerre, netting 25 goals across 165 appearances in Ligue 1. He later featured for AC Ajaccio and had a brief stint in the UAE before returning to Kenya to join Gor Mahia in 2019.
On the international stage, Oliech captained Harambee Stars and scored 34 goals in 76 appearances, cementing his status as Kenya’s all-time leading goal scorer. Among his most memorable achievements was the decisive goal against Cape Verde in 2003, which helped Kenya qualify for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
As the nation gears up for CHAN 2024, Oliech’s involvement is widely viewed as a timely and strategic move to foster unity and enthusiasm around the tournament.
The 19-team event will get underway with hosts Tanzania facing Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars, making their debut under head coach Benni McCarthy of South Africa, will begin their campaign on Sunday with a challenging fixture against two-time winners DR Congo at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.
