Oliech: This is why I joined Gor Mahia

Gor Mahia hit-man Dennis Oliech dedicated his superb goal in the Sunday’s 4-1 mincing of Egypt’s Zamalek FC to his late brother Stephen Okumu.

Oliech who came on midway in the second half, bagged the fourth in the closing stages of the CAF Confederations Cup face off at Kasarani Stadium, by rounding Zamalek defence among them goal keeper Mahmoud Ahmed Genesh after receiving a clever through ball from Rwandese forward Jacques Tuyisenge before slotting home in style.

The 34-year-old celebrated by running to the corner flag with his arms spread apart, a celebration that evoked memories of  his late elder brother Okumu who celebrated in a similar manner when his lone goal handed Gor Mahia a 1-0 victory against Zamalek , the last time the two sides faced off in 1998 here in Nairobi despite K’Ogalo losing 4-0 in the return leg in Cairo.

Oliech said that he joined K’Ogalo to fulfill his late mother’s wish, adding that the goal and celebration were in memory of his late brother who is popular among the K’Ogalo fans.

Okumu was killed in a road accident in 2002 in Rhode Island in the USA aged 26. He had travelled to the US on a football scholarship.

“I knew I was going to score. This goal is for the late Stephen Okumu, who the last time Gor defeated Zamalek, scored. I knew I will score in a similar style and I did it. I also celebrated in the same as he did. So I am happy,” the former Al- Arabi and Mathare United striker said.   

The former Ajaccio, Auxerre and Nantes striker still has his eyes set on the golden boot, having set a target of 28 goals in the KPL this season.

”I’m happy for the team and I’m confident we are getting better with time. My target is to score 28 goals in the league and it still stands.”

‘Wuod Maria’ as he fondly known in some quarters believes his vast experience will go a long way in helping his side in continental fixtures apart from aiding them in retaining the KPL crown.

“This game is done now, focus shifts to the league fixtures, and we need to retain the title. This kind of experience I believe will help me, it already did today so I hope we can keep working for a better tomorrow,” he said.

Oliech is Kenya’s all time top scorer with 34 goals and recently joined the Kenya Premier League c hampions on a two year deal.