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Situma has explained why the former Gor Mahia striker is so difficult to replace after he missed the last two games for the side due to injury.
Former Harambee Stars defender James Situma has praised the crucial role that captain Michael Olunga plays for the national team, emphasizing how the Al Duhail forward elevates the squad’s performance whenever he is on the pitch.
Situma, who once donned the national team colors and played for clubs such as Sofapaka, Tusker, and AFC Leopards, believes that Kenya's hopes of success heavily depend on Olunga’s presence in the starting lineup.
Situma pointed out that while football is unpredictable and filled with dynamics, Olunga’s influence remains undeniable.
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13:00 - 19.09.2024
Harambee Stars rise six places in latest FIFA rankings
Harambee Stars have moved six places up in the latest FIFA rankings following their draw and a win against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
"You know football has many dynamics, but again we can’t rule out the aspect of Olunga’s importance in the first team. He always leads the team from the front because he is the captain," Situma noted.
"To miss him in the starting eleven because of an injury is always a big blow to the team. Everything happens for a reason."
The towering striker’s importance was evident when he scored a hat-trick in Kenya's 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe during the Four Nations Tournament in March, bringing his national team tally to 29 goals in 58 appearances.
Olunga’s prolific form has been a consistent factor in Kenya’s success, and his absence from the AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to injury was felt by the team.
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09:30 - 15.09.2024
Michael Olunga returns from injury to propel Al Duhail to victory over Al Wakrah in Qatar Stars League
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga returned from injury playing a pivotal role in Al Duhail's recent Qatar Stars League win.
Despite the setback, Situma lauded striker John Avire, who stepped in during Olunga’s absence and made an immediate impact. Avire, playing in a crucial role, netted a spectacular free-kick goal in the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, helping Kenya earn valuable points in the AFCON qualifiers.
"For someone to get a chance because his teammate has been ruled out with an injury means that another player should take the chance and utilize it well.
“John Avire did so exemplary by scoring a goal through a sumptuously executed free-kick in the match played in Johannesburg, South Africa," Situma added. "This is football and good for the coaching team because as long as you have options upfront, then you have chances to win matches."
Harambee Stars’ recent performances have left them sitting atop Group J on goal difference, with four points from two games. Cameroon, their next opponent, also sits on four points, while Zimbabwe trails with two points and Namibia is yet to register any points. The group is still wide open, and the stakes are high as Kenya eyes qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
Situma emphasized that Kenya needs to remain ruthless, especially in taking advantage of any mistakes made by their opponents, in order to secure their ticket to the continental showpiece.
"There is a need for the Stars to be ruthless and capitalize on the mistakes made by their opponents in their quest for a ticket to Morocco 2025," he stressed.
With Michael Olunga fit and expected to return for the upcoming clashes, Kenya’s hopes of continuing their strong form in the qualifiers look promising. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess will be critical as the Stars prepare to face tough competition in the race to AFCON 2025.
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