Kenya's Striker Oliech ready to play against Malawi Flames By ELIAS MAKORI and SAMMY KITULA in Nairobi | Tuesday, May 29  2012 at  10:31

Kenya national team Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi will, after all, line up Dennis Oliech for Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Malawi.

This follows a meeting on Monday between Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Sam Nyamweya and Oliech.

Oliech had ‘hang his boots’ following disagreement with the federation over the use of his image on billboards advertising products of the national team’s principal sponsors, East Africa Breweries Limited.

But late on Monday, FKF issued a statement saying they had successfully held discussions with Oliech and that the striker would now report to the team’s training at Kasarani.

“Football Kenya Federation hereby wishes to inform all football fans that, arising from a meeting held today (May 28) between national chairman Sam Nyamweya, NEC member

Tom Onyango Alila and the family of Dennis Oliech, I am happy to announce that Dennis Oliech will report to the MISC Kasarani training camp to join his team mates,” Monday’s statement from the federation said.

“Dennis said that he has rescinded his earlier decision not to play for the national team due to his deep respect for Sam Nyamweya, whom he described as his mentor.

“Dennis also thanked the Kenya Football Players Association for initiating talks with the federation over ‘the matter.”

The sponsors

The statement quoted Oliech as saying: “I’m happy that the federation has recognised the players’ association, which, we as players, will use to pursue our interests.”

And the federation further said: “The players’ association will now take over Dennis’ issue with the sponsors on a different forum as he focuses on his international career.”

Nyamweya said he was humbled by Oliech’s patriotism and change of mind and assured football players that his federation would continue to “fight for their welfare”.

“We therefore urge all Kenyans to rally behind the team this weekend as we play Malawi,” Nyamweya said.

The team’s other top player, McDonald Mariga, had also indicated his unwillingness to wear national colours, claiming that FKF had failed to refund him expenses he incurred while travelling for international matches.

But the Inter Milan player, who has been on loan to Parma in the Italian Serie ‘A’, is unavailable for selection because of a long-standing injury.