Former Harambee Stars keeper on why Olunga-Ogam partnership will flourish
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 13.09.25. | 11:40
The custodian christened the potential strike force the #OluGam partnership, predicting it could mark the beginning of a more ruthless, balanced and unpredictable attacking front for Kenya
Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam, expressing optimism that the pair can form a lethal attacking partnership for the national team rather than competing for the same role.
Ogam, who recently completed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC, has risen to prominence in the international stage following his stellar displays in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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The forward, formerly of Tusker FC, lit up the tournament with two sensational goals against eventual winners Morocco and Zambia, securing memorable victories for Kenya.
He carried that momentum into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where he netted a brace in Kenya’s emphatic 5-0 win over Seychelles. In the same match, captain Olunga also struck twice, taking his tally for Harambee Stars to 34 goals level with Dennis Oliech and just one shy of all-time record-holder Willis Ouma, who sits at 35.
Amid rising excitement about Ogam’s emergence, Origi has cautioned against viewing it as the beginning of the end for Olunga’s international career. Instead, the former Lillestrøm SK shot-stopper believes the two strikers can complement each other to devastating effect.
Taking to his official Facebook page, Origi described Ogam’s rise as a “blessing” for the national team, arguing that the partnership would relieve the pressure that has weighed heavily on Olunga since Oliech’s retirement.
For nearly a decade, Kenya’s attacking burden has largely rested on Olunga’s shoulders, with opposing defenders often devising entire game plans to neutralize him.
“Micah’s performances at both club and international level have ensured opponents always pay close attention to him,” Origi explained. “With the way Rayo has burst onto the scene, it would be foolish for any opposition to ignore his qualities and threat. Them playing together will definitely free up space for each other. And if opponents decide to pay close attention to both, then it means other players across the team will enjoy more freedom ,effectively making Harambee Stars a more dominant and difficult side to play against in Africa.”
The former custodian went on to christen the potential strike force the #OluGam partnership, predicting it could mark the beginning of a more ruthless, balanced and unpredictable attacking front for Kenya.
With Kenya's hopes of qualifying for the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup now over, Harambee will shift focus to their final fixtures of the campaign, set for October 6 and 13, when they face Burundi and Ivory Coast in back-to-back away ties.
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