By Fredrick Nadulli aka Razor,
At the height of his powers,Kenya going to a football battle without Dennis Oliech was unthinkable.It was virtually a ‘treasonable’ offence.He sprung to mind whenever Harambee Stars was mentioned and was always first on the teamsheet.
The team was built around the mercurial centre forward.The country loved him to bits.Media houses fell over themselves to sing his praises.And Dennis did not disappoint.Undoubtedly he is the best striker of his generation.
HOW THINGS CHANGE
Recent reports suggest the former captain is now begging to be part of the team.When he was discovered by the late Reinhardt Fabisch as a rookie forward playing for Mathare United,the country soon realised what talent they had in their hands.In the words of his mentor,’he is a rough gem that when polished will glitter for years on end’.This prophecy came to pass.
The striker,who has played all his pro football in the French Ligue 1 with a brief stint in Qatar,served Kenya with blind loyalty whenever called upon.And just to re-jig our collective memory,he inexplicably turned down a life changing offer to drop his Kenyan passport for a Qatari one.Here was a man who was Kenya and Kenya was him.
True,he may have had his infamous run-ins with subsequent coaches and the administration,but he is a mere mortal,complete with his own flaws just like the rest of humanity.Admittedly most of his grievances had basis while some were sideshows.He was a thorn in the flesh of his detractors.
For all he has sacrificed for Kenya,the Ajaccio player is now considered surplus to requirements in the national team.At 29 years,age is certainly no factor here.New Kenya coach Bobby Williamson insists he is building a team post the Oliech era.A team for the future.Dennis,like any other human,has surely learnt his mistakes.
Some of his theatrics went overboard and riled all and sundry,but as he remorsefully points out,he still has plenty to offer his motherland.For the record,I do not hold brief for the centre forward,but at his age he is in his football prime.
Sadly,a better part of the country has turned their back on him.They want him out of the new set-up.The ever capricious media,his erstwhile cheerleaders not so long ago,now want to retire him prematurely.How things change overnight!
REVOLVING DOOR
The world over,national team doors are never completely shut.They are revolving doors that swing in and out.Bobby Williamson has his plans and blueprint for the team going forward.That must be respected because he will be ultimately held accountable.Be that as it may,he needs to extend an olive branch to Dennis.
The actions or pronouncements of a coach can make or break a player.To his credit,Dennis has realised his mistakes and returned home,reminiscent of the biblical prodigal son.The technical bench should not shun him.
Bobby is a fine man-manager who can squeeze plenty out of the striker.He may or may not be heeding to calls from other quarters to slam the door in the face of the former skipper,but he should give the man a chance.
If Dennis came back on his own without prompting,he is hungry and ready to fight for the country.
Open the door for him.
