Michael Olunga names two Harambee Stars players who have grown from CHAN tournament
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 13.09.25. | 21:02
Harambee Stars reached the quarter-final stage, where they were eliminated on penalties by Madagascar
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has revealed two locally based players whose stocks have skyrocketed following impressive performances in the recently concluded 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
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Kenya featured in the 2024 CHAN that took place in August and was co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in a joint bid dubbed PAMOJA - a Swahili word for Together.
The 2024 edition, played in 2025, was Kenya's maiden participation in the tournament and the first time the country hosted a major football tournament since the 1987 All-Africa Games.
Harambee Stars reached the quarter-final stage, where they were eliminated on penalties by Madagascar after a fairytale group stage campaign.
Several players impressed throughout Kenya's campaign, but Olunga singled out two of them for praise while underscoring the importance of the tourney.
“These tournaments also help the national team to grow because when the likes of Manzur Okwaro, Alpha Onyango and the rest dominate these games, it means we have a team for the future,” said Olunga.
The 31-year-old also lauded the role that CHAN played in securing greener pastures for another Harambee Stars trio.
“With CHAN, we have seen the rise of many local players, and that shows it was a good platform because again we have seen the likes of Ryan Ogam, Alphonce Omija and Faruk Shikhalo secure moves.
With such tournaments and Kenya advancing to the latter stages, it brings more attention to our players,” he added.
With 13 of the 25-man Harambee Stars squad for the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches against The Gambia and Seychelles being local-based players, the Al Arabi striker left a motivational word to the players plying their trade locally.
“We want many more players who play in the FKFPL to work hard and to know that the door for the national team is always open.
Like the coach said, he gives opportunities to players who are more deserving so that we can create a good atmosphere and environment for young players to grow and become professionals in the near future.”
