NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – Former Harambee Stars, Gor Mahia and Mathare United centre forward Kevin Oliech has succumbed to cancer in a hospital in Germany.
Kevin, who is the younger brother of Harambee Stars all-time goal scorer Dennis Oliech, has been ailing for some time and was under treatment in Germany under the care of his elder brother Ken Oliech.
On behalf of coaches, Kenya Football Coaches Association (Kenfoca) interim chairman, Robert Matano mourned Kevin, eulogizing him as a hardworking, committed and disciplined player.
“Kevin is like my son, my best friend with a good heart and understanding boy, I coached him in Tusker in 2013. I feel sorry to the football fans and the family of Oliech for losing a very young boy like Kevin, my condolences,” senior coach Matano grieved.
Kevin’s sudden death comes two years after that of his mother, Mary Auma Oliech who passed on in July 2018.
Kevin featured for Kenyan Premier League sides Tusker, Ushuru, Thika United, and Nairobi City Stars as well.
Internationally, he played for German fifth tier side KFC Uerdingen 05 and second-tier Alemannia Aachen, among other teams before hanging his boots.
His former club, Mathare United led Kenyans in mourning Kevin.
“We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Oliech family following the passing on of Kevin Oliech on Sunday evening. Kevin, who is brother to Dennis Oliech and Andrew Oyombe, was part of the Mathare United squad that won the 2008 KPL title. May he Rest in Peace.”
Kevin Oliech (FIFTH BACK ROW FROM RIGHT) was part of the Mathare United squad that won the 2008 Kenyan Premier League. Photo/CAPITAL SPORT
