Dennis Oliech Named Pamoja CHAN 2024 Brand Ambassador
Legendary striker Dennis “The Menace” Oliech has been named the official Pamoja Brand Ambassador for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament begins this Saturday across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The appointment was made public Friday morning at a special breakfast meeting held at the Kasarani Stadium. The event brought together former Harambee Stars players and officials from the Ministry of Sports, led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
CS Mvurya said Oliech’s appointment is not only a symbol of recognition but also a strategy to inspire national pride and team spirit.
“As the ambassador, I believe he will rally Kenyans behind the team to inspire Harambee Stars to perform well during this CHAN,” said Mvurya.
Oliech, who had an iconic football career both locally and internationally, is expected to boost fan support and energize public excitement throughout the tournament.
Oliech remains one of the most respected names in Kenyan football history. He played for clubs such as Mathare United, Al-Arabi in Qatar, French sides Nantes and Auxerre, and local giants Gor Mahia.
He scored 34 goals in 76 appearances for the national team, including the famous winner against Cape Verde in 2003 that secured Kenya a place in the 2004 AFCON.
The CHAN 2024 tournament will officially kick off with Tanzania facing Burkina Faso in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Kenya’s Harambee Stars, making their CHAN debut under South African coach Benni McCarthy, will play their first game on Sunday against DR Congo at Kasarani.
With Oliech now on board as the face of the tournament, the push to unite fans and build momentum around the national team is in full swing.
![Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca defended his decision to make sweeping changes to his side after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Qarabag in the Champions League. The Blues looked on course for a routine win when teenage forward Estevao opened the scoring early in Baku. But the night unravelled quickly as Qarabag hit back through Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic to take a shock 2-1 lead into half-time. Alejandro Garnacho spared Chelsea from an embarrassing defeat with a second-half equaliser, but the performance left Maresca facing familiar questions about his team selection. The Italian made seven changes from the side that beat Tottenham at the weekend, opting to rest several regular starters, including Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Malo Gusto. “The intention [of the changes] is always because we think the plan with the players is the correct one,” Maresca said. “We started the right way, scored the goal, but then we conceded two — the first one when they had 10 players. We can avoid both goals.” Maresca admitted Chelsea’s biggest issue was their lack of sharpness in front of goal, with only four of their 16 shots on target. “In their box, we need to be more clinical,” he added. “Every game is a chance for the players to show why they are here.” It was a night to forget for defender Jorrel Hato, who misjudged a long ball to allow Qarabag’s equaliser and then conceded a penalty that Jankovic converted. Maresca refused to single him out but noted the defensive lapses were avoidable. Chelsea have now failed to win either of their first two away games in this season’s Champions League and have conceded at least twice in three of their last four matches.](https://newsaih.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot_6-11-2025_3434_x.com_-238x178.jpeg "Maresca Defends Squad Rotation After Chelsea Held to 2-2 Draw by Qarabag")
