Michael Olunga Sends Beautiful Message to Harambee Stars Ahead of CHAN Opener
- Michael Olunga has sent a message of support to Harambee Stars ahead of the CHAN 2024 opener against DR Congo
- Benni McCarthy's team will battle the Leopards on Sunday afternoon at the Kasarani Stadium, hoping to start on a positive note
- Olunga will not be involved with the team since the tournament is strictly for locally based players
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Harambee Stars captain, Michael Olunga, has sent a message of support to his teammates as they prepare to face DR Congo in their CHAN 2024 opener on Sunday, August 3.
Source: Getty Images
Michael Olunga will watch the Harambee Stars from home, as he is not eligible to play in the tournament, which is reserved for locally-based talent.
Benni McCarthy's team will kick off their tournament against DR Congo at Kasarani on Sunday afternoon, and they will be under pressure to deliver a strong performance in front of their home fans.
What are chances of Kenya winning CHAN 2024?
The Harambee Stars have never won a major tournament in their history, and this marks their first appearance in a major competition since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Additionally, this is their third major tournament in over 30 years, generating excitement among fans and placing pressure on the players.
When he was appointed in March, head coach Benni McCarthy said he is expecting a good campaign. He has managed four matches so far, winning one.
"We've been working exceptionally hard, we've been together for a few weeks, so there's a calmness within the squad, there's a harmony, there's a family spirit, and hopefully we can take that to the pitch," McCarthy said in his pre-match press conference.
Source: Getty Images
"We want to play beautiful football," he added. "The most important thing is that we went to play so that people can enjoy it."
The last time the Harambee Stars played in front of fans was in March, during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon.
What is Michael Olunga's message to Harambee Stars?
Olunga, who recently joined Al Arabi in Qatar, sent a lovely message to his teammates, wishing them the best.
"I want to take this opportunity to wish you success in the upcoming CHAN 2024. I know you guys are well prepared and well motivated, from the players to the technical bench," he said in a video shared by Harambee Stars.
"I know you’re ready to achieve, and we are fully behind you, supporting you from a distance. Go make it count. Let’s go, Kenya,” Olunga added.
The 31-year-old is gearing up for a new season with his new club, Al Arabi, after joining last month following his departure from Al Duhail.
Has Olunga played under Benni McCarthy?
Olunga has been a key part of the national team for the past decade. He played in McCarthy's first two matches earlier this year, scoring in both.
The striker played against Gambia and Gabon, scoring penalties in both matches, but his performances drew some criticism.
He will return to the team in September for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles.
Additionally, he will feature during the October international break against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Olunga scores twice for Al Arabi
In a related story, we reported that Olunga bagged a brace for Al Arabi to continue his impressive start at the club.
In July, Olunga signed a two-year deal with the Qatari side and a will be hoping to lead them to the title.
He joined Al Arabi from Al Duhail, a club he left after more than four years.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
