Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has urged his teammates to step up and secure maximum points against Gambia and Seychelles in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set for Kasarani Stadium.
Olunga, who led 20 players in the team’s first training session at Utalii College on Tuesday — including 13 locally based stars — expressed confidence that Kenya has the quality to overcome the unpredictable Gambians on Friday.
The fixtures come just two weeks after the home-based Stars bowed out of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani, losing 4-3 on penalties to Madagascar after a 1-1 draw.
“Congratulations to the national team for their great performance at the CHAN tournament. At the beginning, no one gave us a chance, but we performed well and reached the historic quarterfinals. That result saw 13 players retained for international duty, and we expect another great show,” said Olunga.
The Al Arabi striker added that the mix of local and foreign-based players will provide a stronger edge as Kenya targets six points from the back-to-back fixtures.
Olunga, 31, is among seven foreign-based players already in camp, alongside Job Ochieng, Collins Sichenje, Brian Bwire, Duke Abuya, Rooney Onyango and Richard Odada.
They join 13 CHAN stars, including goalkeepers Farouk Shikhalo and Bryne Omondi, as well as Sylvester Owino, Ryan Ogam, Mansour Okwaro, Alphonce Omija, Michael Kibwage, Boniface Muchiri, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi, Alpha Onyango and Marvin Nabwire.
“We have the capability to produce great players from the local league, but they just need support. I thank the government for the international-standard stadia and infrastructure, which are key to football development,” Olunga added.
Kenya drew 3-3 with Gambia in March, and Olunga expects another tough test. However, he tipped striker Ryan Ogam to shine.
“Ryan is a player of very good quality, and you could see that in his CHAN performances. We’ll work together to get the best out of each other, and that is in the best interest of the country,” he said.
Stars, under coach Benni McCarthy, sit fourth in Group F with six points. Ivory Coast lead with 16, Gabon follow with 15, while Burundi have 10.
Kenya must win all remaining fixtures and hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their dream of a maiden World Cup alive.
Harambee Stars face fifth-placed Gambia on Friday, September 5, 2025, before hosting bottom side Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, both at Kasarani.
