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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has revealed his ultimate dream as Harambee Stars captain before he calls time on his career.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has set his sights on a historic milestone before he calls time on his career.
Ten years since emerging as the nation’s premier striker, Olunga remains determined to carve his legacy by achieving what no Kenyan captain has before.
Since his breakout season with Gor Mahia in 2015, Olunga has been in the spotlight, a status that intensified after his move to Swedish club Djurgårdens IF.
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15:59 - 06.02.2025
'You have to take responsibility' - Michael Olunga discusses pressures of being Harambee Stars captain
Michael Olunga has opened up on the pressure that comes with being the captain of the national football team Harambee Stars ten years since his debut while still playing for Gor Mahia.
His professional career has since taken him across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, featuring stints with Girona in Spain, Kashiwa Reysol in Japan, and Al Duhail in Qatar.
Despite enjoying club success, Olunga's performances for Harambee Stars have often drawn scrutiny, with critics citing inconsistency in front of goal. Currently, he ranks as Kenya’s fifth-highest all-time scorer with 30 goals, just five shy of William ‘Chege’ Ouma’s record tally of 35.
In 2021, Olunga inherited the captaincy from Victor Wanyama, stepping into a role that came with immense responsibility.
However, he has yet to lead Kenya back to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since their last appearance in Egypt in 2019. Kenya missed out on the 2021 edition, and FIFA’s suspension of the country in 2021 ruled them out of qualification for AFCON 2023.
The team was eligible for AFCON 2025, but mixed results under former coach Engin Firat meant they failed to secure a ticket to the tournament set for Morocco in December.
Kenya still has a mathematical chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though the odds are stacked against them. They currently sit fourth in Group F of the CAF qualifiers with five points, trailing leaders Ivory Coast by five. Nonetheless, Olunga, now 30, remains hopeful of making history.
“I hope I can take the Kenya national team to the World Cup,” Olunga said in an interview with NTV last June.
“My first dream was to win a trophy with my country, which we did at the Four Nations. Now, I have a bigger dream—to hopefully be the first captain to lead Kenya to the World Cup. That would be a massive achievement for me.”
Olunga stresses that such an accomplishment would have long-term benefits beyond his own career. “It will also pave the way for more and more talents to be recognised globally,” he added.
Throughout his career, Olunga has had the privilege of sharing the pitch with football greats. He previously played alongside Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho and is currently teammates with former Ajax and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech at Al Duhail.
Speaking on his experience playing alongside such high-profile names, Olunga reflected on the reality of elite football.
“You see him under the same conditions as you do. He has two legs like you. The only difference is that he has had the opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger platform,” Olunga said.
“It makes you realise that football can take you far and bring people together—even those you never thought you’d share a dressing room with.”
The Kenyan striker also highlighted the work ethic of top-tier players. “It is always exciting to work with these kinds of players because you only see them shining in big leagues like the Premier League. But once you rub shoulders with them, you realize they are very down to earth and hardworking.”
As the 2026 World Cup qualifiers progress, Olunga’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess will be crucial for Harambee Stars.
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