Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga believes the upcoming four-nation tournament in Malawi will be critical to Kenya's ambitious 2026 World Cup qualification bid.
In an interview on Wednesday, the Qatar-based striker said the invitational tournament is also an excellent opportunity to hone their skills before September's African Nations Champions (CHAN).
"We'll be well-prepared for the World Cup qualifiers and the CHAN thanks to this event. It will be an excellent opportunity to evaluate the players since league games and international contests might differ," he stated.
The Al Duhail talisman tipped Kenya to perform spectacularly even as the country's lofty aspirations for a maiden World Cup appearance resume in June with pivotal games against Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire.
"The players are in high spirits and the atmosphere at the camp is fantastic. There are new faces and some players are returning to the team but we are all ready to work hard for victory," Olunga remarked.
He believes the injection of youthful blood and experience will benefit the team. He hailed the arrival of new players and fingered David Sakwa of Bandari as an outstanding rising talent.
"The Kenyan Premier League is getting more competitive and Kenya has a lot of talented players. It's encouraging that good players are starting to emerge," said Olunga.
"A good example is Sakwa who has steadily risen through the ranks, from Division One to KPL and now the national squad. That's encouraging since players should know that if they put in the effort, someone is watching them and they can always land opportunities in the national team."
He welcomed enterprising forwards John Avire and Jonah Ayunga to the national squad, saying their presence would make the attacking force razor-sharp.
"I'm not afraid of competition because that's what can help me push over and above. Such competition is healthy and could propel the team to new heights with more people jostling for positions in the starting lineup," Olunga stated.
While Scotland-based Ayunga won his first call-up to the national team, Avire, who plays football in Egypt, returns to the squad after nearly five years.
The Stars depart for Malawi on Thursday and will face the host nation in the opening fixture on Saturday.
