Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga says his focus is on helping the team rather than chasing personal records as Kenya prepares to face South Africa in a back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying this November.
Olunga is making his return to the Kenya national team for the first time in over a year, having last worn the Harambee Stars jersey on October 14, 2025.
His prolonged absence from international duty was triggered by a severe pelvic injury he suffered on March 13, 2026, which required corrective surgery in April and forced him to spend more than five months on the sidelines before making a gradual return to the pitch.
During his extended spell away from the national setup, the Harambee Stars captain missed a total of seven international fixtures across three separate FIFA windows.
Immediately after sustaining the injury, he was forced to sit out two matches at the March 2026 FIFA Series in Rwanda, and he subsequently missed two international friendlies against Lesotho in June while still recovering from surgery.
Even after returning to light competitive action, head coach Benni McCarthy left him out of the September–October camp to safeguard his long-term recovery.
As a result, Olunga missed Kenya’s opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Eritrea and Guinea, as well as a friendly against Rwanda.
Now restored to full fitness, Olunga returns to the national team fold for a crucial 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header against South Africa on November 13 and November 17, 2026.
His comeback arrives at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s qualification campaign and carries major personal significance, as the striker sits on 34 international goals, just one shy of equalling William “Chege” Ouma’s all-time record of 35 goals for the Harambee Stars.
Harambee Stars captain Olunga puts team first ahead of South Africa clash
Although speaking ahead of Friday’s first-leg clash at Orlando Stadium, the former Gor Mahia striker insists he will not be focused on personal milestones but rather on helping the team develop into a formidable side ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
“It’s a great opportunity, of course, to face this good side that has been building for quite a while now. And for me, the game is a much, much-anticipated one. For us, we also know how important it is in terms of preparation for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which, of course, we will host alongside Tanzania and Uganda,” Olunga explained to the South African press on Thursday.
“So for me, my aim is to try and help the team. Of course, I don’t want to chase personal records, but the most important thing for us now is to look at how we can build a competitive side and a competitive structure that we can develop ahead of next year.”
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He believes the showdown against South Africa offers Kenya a valuable opportunity to test their mettle and gauge their strength against one of the continent’s best sides.
“It’s going to be a big defining moment for Kenya, especially since the last time we qualified was in 2019.
“Having already qualified as hosts, we want to use this platform to compete against one of the best sides on the continent, to try and see where our level is. And it’s going to be a good test for the boys because we also want Kenya to reach those levels where we can participate and compete with the giants of African football.
“We’re going to be a different team that you’re going to see play tomorrow,” he added.
While Kenya have already secured their place at the tournament as co-hosts, the Harambee Stars will be seeking their first win in the Group D qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Olunga’s pursuit of history continues, with the striker just one goal away from matching Kenya’s all-time scoring record.
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Top four Harambee Stars’ all-time top scorers
- William Ouma: 35 goals
- Michael Olunga: 34 goals
- Dennis Oliech: 34 goals
- Elijah Lidonde: 33 goals