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Olunga has explained the factors about the current Harambee Stars squad that will help them achieve their objectives at the upcoming World Cup qualifiers this September.
As Harambee Stars prepare for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign this September, all eyes are on the team’s captain, Michael Olunga.
The experienced striker has vowed to guide his teammates through the upcoming crucial matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia, fully aware of the pressure and expectations resting on his shoulders.
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12:45 - 27.08.2024
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Kenya is set to face Zimbabwe on Friday, September 6, at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, followed by a high-stakes clash against Namibia in South Africa on September 10.
These matches are critical for Harambee Stars' quest to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON, and Olunga’s leadership and form will be pivotal to the team’s success.
Olunga, who has been the national team’s main attacking force for nearly a decade, understands the duality of his role. His career has seen extreme highs, like his stellar performance in the Malawi Four Nations Tournament where he netted five goals in two appearances.
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16:30 - 29.08.2024
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However, he has also faced criticism, particularly after struggling in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Such inconsistent displays have often frustrated Kenyan fans, but Olunga remains undeterred.
“When you are a leader, you have to take responsibility, and at the end of the day it's my responsibility to try and lead this team to greater heights,” Olunga told Standard Sports.
“There is a lot of unity in the team and everybody is backing up each and every player. People look at when things are really good but you need to understand that it’s a phase and process.”
This unity within the team is something Olunga cherishes, especially as Harambee Stars navigate a challenging period. With no FIFA-accredited stadium available in Kenya due to ongoing construction at Kasarani Stadium, the team will once again play its home fixture away from home. Despite the frustration of lacking a home advantage, Olunga remains focused on the bigger picture.
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12:21 - 29.08.2024
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“I can't say that I don't have any pressure whatsoever because I know my teammates and coach are backing me up, that's the most important thing for me. And when you have your group and it is backing you up, then you can achieve your objectives collectively.
“ I'm so happy and proud to lead this group quite so well and they all deserve to be in the team. We hope we can continue with this great thing we are building as a team.”
Kenya’s preparations have been hampered not only by the stadium situation but also by the need to develop more team chemistry.
However, Olunga is optimistic about the team’s trajectory. “We still need to have more team chemistry. Now we are in the right direction, we are in good momentum, and I believe in the coming qualifiers we are going to have good games,” he said.
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08:00 - 28.08.2024
Firat on why Michael Olunga can tend to be profligate for Harambee Stars, reveals tactical factor that can make him clinical
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has explained why Michael Olunga can be frustrating infront of goal for Harambee Stars, further revealing the tactical factor that can make him more efficient.
As Harambee Stars head into these crucial qualifiers, Olunga’s leadership and the collective unity of the team will be vital. The absence of a home advantage adds to the challenge, but the captain’s resolve to lead by example offers hope that Kenya can start their AFCON campaign on a strong note.
With the support of his teammates and the guidance of head coach Engin Firat, Olunga is determined to deliver positive results for the nation.
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