NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Kenyan international footballer Dennis “The Menace” Oliech has been named the Pamoja Brand Ambassador for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is set to officially kick off this Saturday across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The unveiling took place on Friday during a special breakfast meeting at Kasarani, attended by former Harambee Stars players and Ministry of Sports officials led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
CS Mvurya described the appointment of Oliech—Kenya’s all-time record goal scorer—as a significant step in recognizing the role of football legends in the country’s sports heritage.
“As the ambassador I believe he (Oliech) will rally Kenyans behind the team to inspire Harambee Stars to perform well during this CHAN,” Mvurya said.
Oliech’s ambassadorial role is expected to galvanize fan engagement and national support for the team throughout the month-long tournament.
As one of the most iconic figures in Kenya’s football history, his involvement adds substantial emotional weight to the national campaign.
A household name since the early 2000s, Dennis Oliech rose to prominence with Mathare United before embarking on a professional career with Al-Arabi in Qatar. He later joined French clubs Nantes and Auxerre, where he made significant contributions in Ligue 1, 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 with Gor Mahia in 2019.
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Internationally, the former captain scored 34 goals in 76 appearances for Harambee Stars, solidifying his status as Kenya’s all-time top scorer.
His most memorable international moment came in 2003 when his crucial goal against Cape Verde helped Kenya qualify for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
With his wealth of experience and deep connection to Kenyan football, Oliech’s appointment is seen as a timely boost to rally the nation behind the team ahead of CHAN 2024.
The 19-team competition will get underway on Saturday when Tanzania plays Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Harambee Stars will make their debut under new South African head coach Benni McCarthy on Sunday, facing two-time champions DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium.
