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John Avire, Benson Omala and ex-Brighton striker Jonah Ayunga have been called up to the latest Harambee Stars squad , but Olunga is not worried about the potent competition for the center forward role
Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga is not worried about the prospect of competition for places at the side after Engin Firat called up three other goal-getters to the side for the upcoming Malawi Four Nations tournament.
Firat called up former Brighton striker Jonah Ayunga and ex-Sofapaka star John Avire -the latter returning for the first time since representing the country at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations- as well as Gor Mahia goalgetter Benson Omala.
The return of Avire and Ayunga’s call up will add genuine quality and competition to the side, with Firat keen to see what both of them will bring to his set up.
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18:00 - 19.03.2024
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars wonderkid Stanley Wilson opens up on challenges of settling in Sweden after AIK trial
Wilson is set to sign for Swedish top-flight side AIK when he turns 18 this August.
There have been calls by angry fans for Olunga to be given a run for his money after failing to be consistent in terms of finishing his dinner for Harambee Stars, but the former Gor Mahia striker remains unfazed by the potential competition for places.
“Many players are called up to the national team, It is a scarce resource [being an international] and we are out there to compete,” Olunga said.
“ Competition is something nice. If you fear competition, you cannot play at international level. We are out there to bring the best and there are still more upcoming players that are coming to represent the national team.”
Acknowledging the importance of competition in elevating performance levels, Olunga stressed the collective goal of representing the nation and making Kenyans proud.
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16:32 - 19.03.2024
FOOTBALL Austin Odhiambo: Firat explains why he snubbed Gor Mahia midfielder from Harambee Stars squad
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has defended himself against criticism over his decision to snub Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo while putting blame on the player.
“It is a door and it is open for everyone. We all want to go out there and win matches. That is the beauty. Whoever gets the nod to play is the coaches’ final decision.
“For us as players, we will try to represent, try to work hard and try to do well so that we can make Kenyans happy.”
Olunga has been on a run of good form since returning to full fitness for Al Duhail. He has scored three goals since his return from a hamstring injury, and feels he is ready to help the side go for glory in Malawi.
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14:00 - 19.03.2024
STARS ABROAD Eric Johanna warms up for Harambee Stars with a goal as UTA Arad secure dramatic victory
Kenya’s Eric Johanna made an instant impact off the bench as he begun a second half fightback for his Romanian club UTA Arad who won a playoff match in dramatic fashion.
Reflecting on his recovery process, Olunga acknowledged the challenges of overcoming injury but highlighted the satisfaction of returning to peak performance.“It is a difficult moment for a player when you are injured. It was not easy for me. Of course had a grade two, almost grade three hamstring injury.
“I was out but now I am back and I am gaining rhythm. I have been scoring. It takes time but it is a good thing now that the goals are coming back.
"I hope I can maintain my knack and score in the upcoming competition.”
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20:09 - 13.03.2024
FOOTBALL Austin Odhiambo and seven biggest absentees from latest Harambee Stars squad
Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo is among the eight most notable absentees from Engin Firat's latest Harambee Stars squad.
With his confidence restored and goals flowing, Olunga is poised to play a crucial role in Harambee Stars' quest for glory in Malawi. His determination to contribute positively to the team's success underscores his commitment to representing Kenya with pride and excellence on the international stage.
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