Oliech’s rise to fame occurred in 2005 when he secured a four-year deal worth $3.7 million (KSh281.2 million) with the French Ligue 1 team Nantes.
In addition to his time at Nantes, Oliech also showcased his skills at French clubs Auxerre and Ajaccio before transferring to Dubai CSC in 2015.
After a successful career in both local and international football, Oliech decided to retire from the sport, having amassed a significant fortune along the way.
At one point, he was even regarded as the wealthiest footballer in Kenya. However, Oliech’s wealth quickly dwindled after his retirement from professional football.
There has been much speculation about how Oliech’s wealth was squandered, but in May 2022, the footballer himself shed some light on the matter.
During a speech at the annual campaign organized by the Kenya Psychiatric Association (KPA) to raise awareness about mental health, Oliech revealed that family and friends can significantly impact one’s mental well-being.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced during his time playing abroad, Oliech expressed his frustration with the constant demands from his family and friends.
According to Oliech, his loved ones always expected him to send them money, creating a significant burden for him. He lamented, “Family is the biggest challenge that I had because family and friends were always quite demanding. Wherever I am, they always wanted me to send them money, and my friends wanted this and that.”
Oliech highlighted that the main hurdle was the assumption among his friends and family members that he was earning a substantial income while playing abroad.
He emphasized that many Kenyan international players face similar pressures, which adversely affect their focus on the field and subsequently impact their performance.
“Some players can go without playing for up to six months because they are under pressure from their family members back home, constantly asking for money,” he explained. Oliech added, “They do so because I am playing in Europe, Qatar, or France, but they are unaware of the toll it takes on my mental health. They demand things without understanding what I am going through behind the scenes.”
Oliech acknowledged that some individuals who travel abroad for work resort to cutting off contact with their family members for extended periods due to the demands placed on them.
He encouraged anyone struggling with mental health issues to seek help and reach out to trained counselors.
“For those who face similar challenges when working abroad, know that you are not alone. It is essential to seek assistance and talk to someone experienced who can support and guide you,” he urged.
