Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on what it would take to bench team captain Michael Olunga, who remains Kenya’s undisputed leading striker.McCarthy took charge of the national team on 3 March 2025, with his immediate task being to prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon. Kenya drew with The Gambia and lost to Gabon.##NAJAVA_MECA_8831572##Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News!!!In both matches, Olunga started and played the full 90 minutes. While he managed to score against Gabon, he also squandered several clear goal-scoring opportunities, which drew criticism from some sections of the fans.However, McCarthy had nothing but praise for his captain. “Michael is one of the best finishers we have in Kenya,” McCarthy said in an interview with NTV.Austin Odhiambo, Alphonce Omija name strongest and fastest players at Gor Mahia”I know he receives a lot of negative reviews from people, but if you train with a player like that, then you truly understand his value.”While some fans have called for the benching of the former Gor Mahia striker, McCarthy stood by his captain and insisted Olunga will remain a starter—unless someone proves to be better.“For someone who has played and coached at the highest level, it’s rare to find a player of the caliber we have in Michael.We have that player in our team, so of course he’ll always be a priority. Other players will have to prove why they deserve to take his place,” he added.’Posta can swallow their bitter pill’ Mathare United’s John Kamau lambastes former clubOther notable strikers currently in the national team setup include Masud Juma, John Avire, Jonah Ayunga, and Elvis Rupia.Despite the disappointing results in the recent World Cup qualifiers, McCarthy believes Kenya still has a chance of qualifying as one of the best runners-up—if they win all their remaining four matches and hope Gabon and Ivory Coast drop points.’Biggest failure I have seen in my career’ – Nyaudo blasts Ulinzi strikersThat slim mathematical chance, according to the former Manchester United assistant coach, is what the team must hold onto. In the meantime, his immediate focus is to build a strong squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).The biennial tournament will take place from Saturday, 2 August to Saturday, 30 August 2025, and will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.Homeboyz head coach on how Ingo Derby victory over AFC Leopards was secured
