The national football team, Harambee Stars, is significantly more dangerous and intimidating when their captain, Michael Olunga, is on the pitch. This sentiment was expressed by Olunga’s former national teammate, James Situma, who highlights the Al Duhail striker’s pivotal role in the team’s success.
Situma, a seasoned player who represented Kenya at the national level and also played for top clubs like Sofapaka, Tusker, and AFC Leopards, believes that the Harambee Stars, under the guidance of head coach Engin Firat, are heavily reliant on Olunga for goals. He further suggests that this reliance will continue as long as Olunga remains fit and available.
“Football has many dynamics, but we cannot overlook Olunga’s importance in the team. He leads from the front, not just because he is the captain, but because of the immense influence he brings to the game,” Situma stated. “To miss him in the starting lineup due to injury is always a huge blow to the team. But in football, everything happens for a reason.”
Olunga’s Impact on the Harambee Stars
Olunga’s significance to the Harambee Stars is undeniable. His presence on the field often spells trouble for opposing teams, as evidenced by his stellar performances in international competitions. One of his recent highlights was scoring a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe during the Four Nations Tournament in March. That performance brought his international goal tally to 29 goals in 58 appearances, a testament to his effectiveness as a goal scorer.
His absence, however, was felt during Kenya’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, where he missed out due to injury. Despite his absence, the Harambee Stars managed to collect four points from a possible six, securing a draw and a win. Situma praised striker John Avire for stepping up in Olunga’s absence, particularly commending his well-executed free-kick goal in the match against Zimbabwe in Johannesburg.
“For someone to step in when a key player is injured, it’s essential that they take the opportunity and perform well. John Avire did just that with his stunning free-kick,” Situma said. “This is great for the coaching staff because as long as you have multiple options upfront, you increase your chances of winning matches.”
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The Road Ahead for Harambee Stars
The recent AFCON qualifiers have placed Kenya at the top of Group J, leading on goal difference. They share four points with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, their next opponents, who will pose a significant challenge. Zimbabwe sits third with two points, while Namibia remains at the bottom with zero points. The race for qualification to AFCON 2025 in Morocco is far from over, and the team will need to stay sharp to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
Situma emphasized the importance of the Harambee Stars capitalizing on their opponents’ mistakes, particularly in crucial matches like the upcoming clash with Cameroon.
“Football is about seizing opportunities, and the Harambee Stars need to be ruthless going forward. The team must make the most of their opponents’ errors if they want to punch their ticket to Morocco in 2025,” Situma advised.
The Role of the Supporting Cast
While Michael Olunga’s importance to the team is clear, Situma believes that depth in the squad will be crucial for future success. Injuries and suspensions are part of the game, and other players will need to step up when called upon. John Avire’s performance is a perfect example of how younger or less experienced players can make an impact when given the chance.
“The fact that Avire stepped up and scored when Olunga was unavailable is a good sign for the future. We need more players who are ready to take on the responsibility when needed. This creates healthy competition within the team and gives the coaching staff more options,” Situma said.
The depth of the squad and tactical flexibility will be essential if Kenya hopes to maintain their lead in the group and secure a spot in the AFCON tournament. Firat’s ability to manage the squad effectively, while ensuring that players like Olunga are supported by a capable supporting cast, will determine how far the team can go in the competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Harambee Stars are undoubtedly a stronger and more intimidating side when captain Michael Olunga is on the field. His ability to score goals and lead the team makes him an invaluable asset. However, as recent matches have shown, the team can also rely on players like John Avire to step up when necessary. With a critical match against Cameroon approaching, the Harambee Stars must be ruthless and capitalize on every opportunity if they want to secure their place in AFCON 2025.
As Situma suggests, the key to future success will be maintaining squad depth and ensuring that every player is ready to contribute when called upon. Olunga will continue to play a vital role in Kenya’s quest for glory, but the team’s ability to adapt and perform without him will be equally important. The journey to Morocco 2025 is still long, but with the right focus and determination, the Harambee Stars have a fighting chance.
