Former Harambee Stars goal poacher Dennis “the Menace” Oliech advised upcoming Kenyan footballers who would like to play in European leagues to make their switches at a tender age.
In an exclusive interview with popular Radio host Fred Arocho on Friday, September 9, at Camp Toyoyo grounds in Nairobi, Oliech stated that to become successful in Europe one has to make a move at a young age.
“First of all, the advice that I usually give to many people. In Europe, it is very important to go while still young, at the age of 17 or 16, 19 maximum. If you are 21 or 22 years old, forget about it.
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“You have to start with the youth program, that is the age where they develop you. That is why it is a must that we start youth academies in Kenya. It reached a time when I was in Auxerre when I could not handle the ball well because I was not used to it,” advised Oliech.
The 37-year-old also requested the President-elect William Ruto to consider former players when appointing the cabinet secretary for sports.
“Congratulations to William Samoei Ruto. The elections were peaceful, people did not fight. But we have a problem with our football. I would like to request him to help us.
“I'm here, Mariga is also available. We ask him to give us any job to help improve the Kenyan football. We have the experience and we know how football works.
“Look at West Africa, former footballers like Samuel Eto’o are the ones running football in their countries. Why would Dennis not run the Kenyan football? Why would Musa not run it? That is how it should be. I’m ready to serve Kenya in any capacity,” stated Oliech.
The father of two further revealed that he will support South American powerhouse Brazil at the highly anticipated 2O22 FIFA World Cup slated for Friday, November 18 to December 20 in Qatar.
According to him, Brazil has all the ingredients to win the trophy after nearly 20 years based on the current players that head coach Adenor Leonardo Bacchi alias Tite has at his disposal including Manchester United new signing Antony Matheus dos Santos.
Oliech also predicted a final between Brazil and Argentina as well as tipped title holders France to go far in the World Cup.
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