Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga has lauded the team’s chemistry for their perfect outing in Malawi, where they clinched the four-nations invitational tournament trophy with victories over the hosts and Zimbabwe.
Olunga starred for Kenya, scoring twice in the 4-0 win over Malawi and all three in the 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe in the final.
“This is a good confidence booster for the boys and it shows that the team is coming up well. We have a very good squad with a blend of experience and young players and the chemistry has really grown. Come June, I believe that we will produce good results bearing in mind we are playing at home,” Olunga said.
He added; “I want to urge everyone to keep supporting the team because we are coming up really strongly.”
He was speaking on Wednesday night as the team jetted back from Malawi. Most of the foreign based players switched directly from the arrivals terminal to the departures, some being picked directly after the plane landed from Lilongwe as they rushed to catch flights back to their bases.
Head coach Engin Firat was also grateful for the team’s performance, saying they deserve praise for their efforts.
“We got very good results after the team made great sacrifices and we know how many sacrifices we have made as a team. I believe the belief in this team will go higher and we have an opportunity to do great things,” Firat said, in a short presser.
The team will now switch focus to the World Cup qualifiers in June, where Kenya will play African champions Ivory Coast and neighbors Burundi in back to back home matches.
FKF boss Nick Mwendwa says preparations for those two vital games will continue, even after Malawi.
“The last time we won a trophy was in CECAFA in 2017. We are excited of course but this is behind our backs. We have a lot of work to do before June and we will continue investing to ensure this team is ready,” Mwendwa noted.
