Over the years, Kenya has brought the world some great footballers, who have each enjoyed impressive careers, turning in memorable performances for clubs across the world and for their national side. Here is a look at six of the best Kenyan football players.
1. Mahmoud Abass
It seems fitting to start the list with the player known as “Kenya One”. Widely regarded as Kenya’s greatest ever goalkeeper, Mahmoud Abass played for AFC Leopards, winning three CECAFA trophies. He was also a fixture in the national side, helping Harambee Stars win the CECAFA Senior Championships in 1981, 1982 and 1983. Abass retired from the game in 1990.
2. Victor Wanyama
Any discussion of Kenya and football in the present day must include Victor Wanyama. The midfielder made his debut for the national side in 2007 and became its captain in 2013. Wanyama was also the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, with Southampton FC, and was part of the Tottenham Hotspur team that competed in the 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League Final. He has also played for Beerschot AC, Celtic FC and most recently, CF Montréal.
3. Joe Kadenge
Considered by many as the greatest Kenyan footballer, midfielder and striker Joe Kadenge played club football for Abaluhya United, helping the team win the 1966 Kenyan Premier League. He also played for Maragoli United, as well as the national side. In addition to his playing career, Kadenge managed the national side in 2002 and coached Maragoli. Kadenge passed away in 2019.
4. Michael Olunga
The next player on the list is another current star of the game. Most recently lining up for Qatar’s Al-Duhail SC, striker Michael Olunga also plays for the national team and had a stint in Italy’s La Liga for Girona FC. In the 2021 AFC Champions League, Olunga finished as the tournament’s top scorer. He debuted for the national side in 2015. Olunga is often referred to as “The Engineer” as he studied engineering at university.
5. Dennis Oliech
The next entry on the list, striker Dennis Oliech, has been widely credited as the key player to bring Kenyan football back from its post-1980s slump. He helped his country qualify for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations and captained the national team. His club career included stints with FC Nantes, AJ Auxerre and AC Ajaccio, before he joined Gor Mahia FC in 2019. In 2004, Oliech was named by The Guardian as one of the world’s “most wanted” young players.
6. Bobby Ogola
Last but certainly not least, the list concludes with one of the most popular figures in the Kenya Premier League. Nicknamed the “six million dollar man”, defender John “Bobby” Ogola played for the Kenyan national team, including as part of the side that won the CECAFA tournament from 1981 to 1983. He also played for Gor Mahia, helping the side to several titles. After retiring from playing, he coached sides, including Gor Mahia.
Of course, there are lots more names which could be added to the list, such as Austin Oduor, Duncan Ochieng and David Owino, highlighting the depth of Kenyan football over the decades.
