- Harambee Stars will face Burundi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday, October 9, in Bujumbura.
- Head coach Benni McCarthy is grappling with a selection headache ahead of the match, with three key players battling fitness concerns.
- Captain Michael Olunga, midfielder Alpha Onyango, and right-back Rooney Onyango are all injury doubts for the crucial qualifier.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is facing a selection headache ahead of Kenya’s upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Burundi, with three key players battling fitness concerns.
The South African tactician confirmed that team captain Michael Olunga, midfielder Alpha Onyango, and right-back Rooney Onyango are all injury doubts for the encounter scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Bujumbura.
McCarthy, formerly Manchester United’s strikers’ coach, revealed during a training session on Monday, October 6, at the Police Sacco that the trio picked up minor knocks at club level but expressed optimism that they could recover in time for the match.
Harambee Stars coach McCarthy reveals fitness setbacks ahead of Burundi clash
“There were some slight injury problems, but hopefully by the time we face Burundi on Thursday, we will have assessed and seen the levels the players are at,” said McCarthy.
“Rooney Onyango is one of them. He was struggling with a few issues at his club, but he has done the scans and all the medical tests that were needed, and everything checked out okay. So, we will monitor him during the training sessions leading up to the game.
“The captain also had some concerns, a little bit with his hamstring, and then the third one is Alpha. In his last game for his club, Gor Mahia, he came off injured. We will take precautions, monitor him closely in training, and see how best to manage him. Everybody else is 100% fit, so we are looking good for the next two games,” he added.
Harambee Stars determined to finish campaign on a positive note
Despite Kenya being out of contention for qualification, McCarthy insists his side remains motivated to finish strong. The Harambee Stars boss wants his charges to maintain their competitive edge and end the campaign on a positive note.
Captain Michael Olunga remains a vital figure in the squad as he continues his chase for Kenya’s all-time top scorers record. The Al Arabi striker’s brace against Seychelles in Kenya’s last qualifier drew him level with legendary Harambee Stars Striker Dennis Oliech
on 34 goals just two shy of breaking the long-standing 48-year record held by William “Chege” Ouma, the former Gor Mahia forward whose final national team appearance came in 1977.
The former Al Duhail striker, however, downplayed personal milestones, emphasizing the team’s collective ambition.
“The most important thing for me is to work hard and help the team in whichever way that I can, and so the record is not so much in my mind,” said Olunga.
Midfielder Alpha Onyango has been one of the standout performers for Kenya since breaking into the national setup.
The Gor Mahia star impressed during the 2024 CHAN Tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, where he was twice named Man of the Match. His absence would undoubtedly weaken McCarthy’s midfield options.
Rooney Onyango has also been a mainstay in the national team since his debut under Coach Engin Firat and with Harambee Stars missing Rakow Czestochowa full back Eric Ouma ‘Marcelo’ and Stade Reims center back Joseph Okumu , missing out on one of the experienced defender in the current Harambee Stars set up would prove crucial in the remaining world cup qualifiers.
As the Stars prepare for their final qualifying fixtures, all eyes will be on the medical team’s final assessment of the three players.
McCarthy will be hoping to have his key men fit and ready to help Kenya end their World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note in Bujumbura before travelling to Ivory Coast for the final match against African Champions.