Veteran Kenyan striker Dennis Oliech on Wednesday agreed a deal in principle to join top tier South African club Free State Stars ahead of the 2018/2019 Premier Soccer League season.
Speaking to Nation Sport, the club’s coach Luc Eymael confirmed a one-year contract will be finalised next month when the first team resumes pre-season training.
“We had a good meeting with him today (Wednesday) but we couldn’t finalise everything because first of all the (transfer) window is not open and also his papers are not in order. Here we need Police clearance (to get a work permit),” said Eymael.
“He has to come back on June 18 so we finalise this deal.”
Eymael also says he is impressed with the the former France-based star’s abilities after monitoring him in training over the past week.
Separately, the 33-year-old footballer adds that he still got “something to offer” after two and a half years of inactivity.
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He also admits to having missed playing football.
“I know people are saying I cannot do this (play competitive football)… tell them I still have something to offer,” said the former Harambee Stars captain.
“I missed football. I have been training with teams in France and then I got this opportunity to come here (South Africa) which I am happy with.”
Considered one of East Africa’s greatest strikers of all-time, Oliech will however have to work hard to hit full fitness ahead of the season kick off in August.
He shot to fame after scoring on his debut for the national team as a 19-year-old against Togo, during a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Oliech’s thunderbolt against Cape Verde at Kasarani in 2003, which enabled Kenya to qualify for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, stands out arguably as the most important goal in the country’s recent history.
The player also went on to enjoy stellar moments at club level, notably in 2010, when he led the attack for Auxerre against Ajax Amsterdam, Real Madrid and AC Milan in the Uefa Champions League.
The pacy striker however abruptly quit playing in 2015, six months into his year-long contract at Dubai Sports Club. He returned home and took up an ambassadorial role with a betting firm. He’s also had to constantly fight off claims he’s struggling financially.