CHAN 2024: Legendary Dennis Oliech named brand ambassador

‎‎The unveiling took place on Friday during a special breakfast meeting between former Harambee Stars players and the Ministry of Sports officials led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya at Kasarani.

CS Mvurya described the appointment of Oliech —Kenya’s all-time record goal scorer —as a welcome step in recognizing the role of football legends in shaping the sport’s heritage in Kenya.

“As the ambassador I believe he (Oliech) will rally Kenyans behind the team to inspire Harambee Stars to perform well during this CHAN.”

‎Oliech’s ambassadorial role is expected to boost fan engagement and national support for the team throughout the month-long tournament.

‎As one of the most iconic players in Kenya’s football history, his involvement adds emotional weight to the national campaign.

‎A household name since the early 2000s, Dennis Oliech rose to prominence with Mathare United before going professional with Al-Arabi in Qatar.

‎He later joined French sides Nantes and Auxerre, where he featured in Ligue 1 and made significant contributions, including scoring 25 goals in 165 appearances for Auxerre.

‎Oliech also had a stint with AC Ajaccio and played briefly in the UAE before returning home to sign for Gor Mahia in 2019.

‎‎Internationally, the former captain scored 34 goals in 76 appearances for Harambee Stars, making him Kenya’s all-time top scorer.

‎His most memorable moment came in 2003 when his crucial goal against Cape Verde helped Kenya qualify for the 2004 Africa Cup of beNations.

‎With his wealth of experience and deep connection to Kenyan football, his appointment is seen as a timely boost to rally the nation behind the team ahead of CHAN 2024.

Tanzania will get the 19-team competition underway when they play Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium in the economic capital Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

Harambee Stars are making their debut under South African head coach Benni McCarthy, and will kick off the tournament on Sunday against two-time champions DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium.