Michael Olunga provides success formula for Harambee Stars against Burundi

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga in training. Photo: FKF Media.

Michael Olunga provides success formula for Harambee Stars against Burundi

Joel Omotto 08:02 - 07.06.2024

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has detailed what Kenya must avoid if they have to collect maximum points from Friday’s crunch match against Burundi.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has called on his team-mates to play with confidence if they have to overcome Burundi in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Kenya will take on the Swallows with three points at stake as both sides look to stay in contention for World Cup qualification.

The match will be played at the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi and even though Kenya will not enjoy home support, Olunga is counting on the preparations they have had while rallying his team-mates to avoid mistakes.

“Burundi in their last match they won 3-2 and lost 2-1 so they are not an easy team. They have good players and we also know what they are capable of but we trust in our preparations and we are confident we will get a win,” Olunga said on Thursday.

“All of us need to play with confidence because the match will be physically demanding and the weather is hot so everyone has to push themselves and hydrate well. Whoever makes few mistakes will win.”

Olunga has been in terrific form for the national team, scoring seven goals in the last three matches, and also netted against Burundi in a 1-1 draw in 2015. He is, however, not looking at individual glory on Friday with team interests coming first.

“We are fighting as players so that we rectify our mistakes to put us in a good place. I will be required to take responsibility whether it is defending or scoring,” he added.

Kenya and Burundi both have three points from two matches in Group F with Ivory Coast and Gabon on six apiece.