Olunga explains Harambee Stars absence, vows to break Kenya’s scoring record
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 01.11.25. | 12:05
Despite missing out on selection for the matches against Comoros and Madagascar, Olunga insists his motivation to represent Kenya and surpass the country’s all-time goalscoring record remains as strong as ever
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has broken his silence over his absence from the national team squad for the upcoming November international friendlies, reaffirming his commitment to Kenya and expressing confidence in head coach Benni McCarthy’s long-term vision.
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Despite missing out on selection for the matches against Comoros and Madagascar, Olunga insists his motivation to represent Kenya and surpass the country’s all-time goalscoring record remains as strong as ever.
“That’s the coach’s decision,” Olunga told Flashscore. “I believe every player was selected on merit to give their best.
We’re now entering a new transition phase, bringing in young players, so the senior ones have been dropped for the friendlies to give the coach a chance to integrate the new boys and test them out.”
Olunga, who has 34 international goals to his name, is just one shy of William Ouma’s long-standing national record.
Though he will not get the chance to break it this month, the Al Arabi SC striker remains focused on continuing his national team journey.
“I know I still have a lot more to give to Kenya,” he said. “I’ll keep working hard for the national team. Whenever the country needs me, I’ll always be there. It’s always an honor to represent Kenya.”
The 30-year-old forward also backed McCarthy’s approach, describing the South African legend as a motivating figure who is steering the team in the right direction.
“We have a newfound belief in the team under Benni McCarthy,” Olunga added.
“Especially after the last CHAN edition, we had a good run even though we were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Overall, there’s been real improvement in how the team plays.”
Olunga believes the focus now should be on building a competitive side ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
“We’re building towards the next AFCON, and we’re looking forward to the big tournament in our country,” he said.
“More players are moving abroad and playing outside the Kenyan Premier League; that’s a positive sign. It will help strengthen the team by 2027.”
Harambee Stars are scheduled to face Madagascar on November 14 before playing Comoros on November 18 in Antalya, Turkey, as part of McCarthy’s continued rebuilding program.
The friendly games come just a month after Kenya completed their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where they beat Burundi 1–0 away before losing 3–0 to African champions Ivory Coast.
Kenya finished fourth in Group F with 12 points from 10 matches, three wins, three draws, and four defeats, missing out on qualification.
Ivory Coast topped the group with 26 points to seal an automatic berth, while Gabon will face Nigeria in a playoff for Africa’s final slot.
For Olunga, however, the focus remains firmly on the future, one he hopes will see Kenya return to continental prominence and himself cemented as the nation’s greatest-ever scorer.
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