- Michael Olunga is upbeat that Harambee Stars will do well in the two matches that will be played between Thursday, March 20 and Sunday, March 23.
- Olunga has also praised the government for improving the standard of the Nyayo National Stadium.
- Harambee Stars currently occupy the fourth position in Group F with five points from four matches.
Harambee Stars skipper Michael Ogada Olunga has expressed confidence in Kenya performing well in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Harambee Stars is set to lock horns with West African nations Gabon and Gambia during this March international break.
The Benni McCarthy coached charges will battle it out with Gambia on Thursday, March 20 in Ivory Coast before hosting Gabon at the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, March 23.
According to Olunga, Harambee Stars players are motivated and looking forward to carry the country’s flag higher.
“Most of the players have reported to camp and the mood is quite amazing. Everybody is really looking forward to the first assignment of the year, which is Gabon and Gambia.
So, we just want to thank the new federation, starting with President Hussein and our able vice President McDonald Mariga for making a good, peaceful environment for the players to come to camp and perform.
The new coach also, for believing in a lot of players. He called up a good squad. Yeah, everybody is really looking forward to these two fixtures,” he explained.
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McCarthy named a strong squad that has both experienced and upcoming players including Australian based midfielder William Wilson Lenkupae.
Some of the other stars who made it to the 23-member squad include Brian Mandela, Ben Stanley Omondi, Brian Bwire, Erick Ouma, Ronny Onyango and Mohamed Bajaber, Anthony Akumu, Masud Juma, Elvis Rupia, and Ian Otieno.
The Al-Duhail FC striker added that they expect a very tough game against Gambia on Thursday, describing them as one of the teams that are on the rise in the continent.
However, Olunga remained optimistic that Harambee Stars have what it takes to stun the side that is coached by former Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry.
“We know the group is still open. First of all, we are going to face Gambia away and they are a team which is upcoming in Africa and they also have a good squad.
So, it is going to be a good encounter to go and showcase our worth,” commented the 30-year-old goal machine.
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Moreover, Olunga, who has had stints with the likes of Spanish based side Girona FC and Gor Mahia, appreciated the effort made by the national government to ensure Kenya has a standard stadium.
As stated by him, the players cannot wait to play in front of the home supporters for the first time in many years.
“I also want to thank the ministry of sport for helping us to have Nyayo Stadium ready. To be able to play our first game in four years back at home. We are looking forward to this encounter. But, first things first, we have to go to Ivory Coast and play Gambia.
So we just want to go and give out our best. We believe that the future is really bright and hopefully with good preparations, hard work and God on our side, we are going to post positive results in these two encounters,” ended Olunga.
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