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Olunga explains why ex-MOFA star deserves Harambee Stars call-up
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 08.10.25. | 19:57
Okoth, a former Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) forward, caught the eye during the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that helped shape his career
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga believes Lawrence Okoth earned his place in the national team on merit after receiving a surprise call-up from coach Benni McCarthy.
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Okoth, a former Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) forward, burst into the limelight during the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that helped shape his career.
The tournament was held in Egypt in May this year.
The 20-year-old striker scored in Kenya’s 4-0 victory over Burundi during the 2025 U20 AFCON qualifiers and continued his fine form at the finals in Cairo, where he netted two more goals, including Kenya’s first-ever goal at the tournament, finishing as the team’s top scorer.
Okoth has since signed a two-year professional contract with Finnish top-tier side SJK Seinäjoki, becoming the first player from MOFA to secure a professional deal abroad.
Olunga dismissed suggestions that he had influenced the call-up, insisting that Okoth’s performances earned him the nod.
"He has been working hard, and he deserves the opportunity just like any other player in Kenya and all those who played in the Under-20 AFCON,” said the Al Arabi SC striker.
"I believe most of them are talented, and the coach is fair and has his eyes all over the country. So, it is by merit, and hopefully he can do what he does best.”
The Harambee Stars skipper praised coach McCarthy and his technical team for keeping close tabs on emerging talent, noting that Okoth’s consistent form could be key in upcoming fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
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Okoth’s rise has been steady. After leaving Gianchere Friends High School in 2022, he joined Vihiga Bullets, scoring seven goals in the 2022/23 season.
He then moved to Samwest Blackboots for the 2023/24 campaign, where he scored 10 goals and provided five assists under coach George Owoko.
His performances earned him a mid-2024 move to MOFA, where he added another 10 goals but in fewer appearances.
Okoth comes from a footballing family; his brother Dennis Okoth plays for Mathare United, while their father previously worked as a youth development coordinator for Aspire Football Academy.
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