By Hlayisani Magoro.
Photo Credit: AL-arabi Sports club.
Kenya national team captain Michael Olunga has leapt to the defence of head coach Benni McCarthy, who has been the subject of criticism owing to an inconsistent run of results.
The Harambee Stars are set to face South Africa in the 2027 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, before the second meeting of their double-header in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November.
McCarthy and his troops will be looking to return to winning ways, with their last victory dating back to June in an international friendly match against Lesotho – their only win in the last five outings.
However, Olunga dismissed suggestions that results haven’t been forthcoming under the tutelage of the South African mentor, acknowledging the team is undergoing a rebuild after a decent showing in the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“The results are okay because we are building a team, personally, it’s a transitional phase that we are in, and when the coach handled the team in the CHAN competition we had a decent tournament, we had a great performance,” he said.
“And now its building up to the bigger tournament which is something that is very big for us as a country. So, we’ve been trying different kinds of players in the team, we’ve had a squad rotation and every player is being given a chance by the coach.”
“So, for me, I don’t see any kind of alarm and we just need to continue working hard to build a good team and a competitive side.”
With Kenya set to co-host the continental showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the centre-forward is relishing the opportunity to make history on home soil, and says the clash against Bafana Bafana will gauge their progress.
“It’s going to be a big defining moment for Kenya, especially since the last time we qualified was 2019, and now having already qualified as hosts we want to use this platform to compete against one of the best sides on the continent,” Olunga added.
“We want to try to see where our level is and it’s going to be a good test for the boys because we also want Kenya to reach those levels where we can participate and compete against the giants of African football.”
“So, we try as much as possible to assemble a good team that can compete. Of course, we’ve had emerging talents coming up in the squad and this is why we want to give each and every player a chance.”
“We want to have a blend of experienced and youth players coming into the side so that when we arrive in a situation we’re going to be a different team that you’re going to see play tomorrow.”