Dennis Oliech trashes Arsenal ahead of legends Cup clash at Talanta stadium

Former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech has taken a cheeky swipe at Arsenal ahead of the upcoming Legends Cup match against the Kenyan national team legends, dismissing the visiting side in a playful exchange with comedian Eric Omondi.

In a video shared by Omondi, the former Kenyan international appeared confident about his team’s chances, making it clear that he was not intimidated by the collection of former Arsenal stars expected in Nairobi.

“Erico, si kwa ubaya, mnaleta team trophyless. Watu wa Arsenal, tupatane kwa iyo game, tutawachapa tu,” Oliech told Omondi.

Omondi also used the exchange to rally Kenyan supporters behind the Harambee Stars Legends, promising an entertaining encounter against the former English Premier League players.

“This Friday HARAMBEE STARS LEGENDS WILL BEAT ARSENAL LEGENDS HERE IN Nyayo!!! DON’T MISS!!!” Omondi wrote on his page.

The exchange has added another layer of excitement to the exhibition match, which will bring together former Kenyan internationals and players who previously represented one of England’s most recognisable football clubs.

The match is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with kick-off at 7 pm. It is an exhibition match, giving supporters a chance to watch familiar names return to the pitch.

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama is expected to lead the Kenyan side. The squad also includes Oliech, former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga, John Bobby Ogolla, Francis Kahata, Francis Onyiso, Jamal Mohammed, JJ Masiga and Mahmoud Abbas.

Wanyama is a major attraction for fans who remember his English Premier League career with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. He became the first Kenyan to feature in the competition. Mariga also made history in Europe, playing for Inter Milan and winning the UEFA Champions League in 2010.

Oliech remains one of Kenya’s most recognisable forwards. He is the national team’s all-time leading scorer and was part of the Harambee Stars squad that qualified for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. His presence gives the Kenyan side a proven goalscorer.

Arsenal’s legends will be captained by former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu. The 24-member contingent includes Bacary Sagna, Gervinho, Alex Song, Yaya Sanogo, Tony Adams, Robert Pirès, Ashley Cole, Gilberto Silva, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott.

The visiting squad brings together players from different periods in Arsenal’s history. Pirès and Gilberto Silva were part of the club’s 2003/04 team that completed the Premier League season unbeaten, while Adams captained Arsenal through several successful campaigns. Kanu also enjoyed a successful spell at the North London club.

The match will be followed by a coaching clinic on Saturday, November 14, at Crawford International School. The session will allow young players to interact with experienced footballers.

The cheapest early-bird tickets have reportedly sold out. Regular tickets are listed at Ksh1,000, while VIP and VVIP tickets cost Ksh10,000 and Ksh20,000 respectively.

Oliech’s comments are part of the build-up banter, but they underline the competitive spirit surrounding the occasion. For Kenyan supporters, the fixture offers a chance to see local football greats share a pitch with former Arsenal stars.

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