Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga believes that his top performances in the Qatari League, where he plays for Al Duhail, contributed to Kenya securing a friendly match against the Qatari national team in September 2023.Qatar was one of the top sides that Kenya faced in friendly games in 2023, with Kenya winning the match 2-1. Other opponents included Russia and Iran. Kenya used these games to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers that began in November 2023.##NAJAVA_MECA_8167945##Much of the credit was given to coach Engin Firat for securing the friendly games. He met with the Qatar Football Association in Doha alongside Olunga, where the friendly game was finalized.In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Olunga discussed his small role in securing the games. He believes that his strong performance in the Qatari league, where he has won the league title and two league golden boots, helped ease the negotiations for coach Firat.”I think I played a role in securing the match between Qatar and Harambee Stars through my strong performance. While I don’t claim to be the main reason, I was present in the meeting with the FA and the coach. I believe my goal-scoring in the league has a ripple effect, benefiting other Kenyan players by securing such friendlies,” he said.Muyoti confident City Stars can challenge for FKF-PL title next seasonHe added that choosing to play Kenya was a huge opportunity, as the 2022 World Cup host nation is used to playing top sides in Europe and South America.”Arranging a friendly match against Qatar, the Asian champions is no easy feat. They are used to playing top European and South American teams. However, during our meeting, they agreed to play us, which is a great honor and a testament to the relationships I have built there. It is not easy to get such friendlies. Even here in Africa, trying to get a friendly game against the African champions, Ivory Coast, is next to impossible.”Olunga emphasized that Kenyan footballers playing overseas can help change the fortunes of other players back home by excelling at their clubs, which in turn generates interest in Kenyan players and football as a whole.”As international football players, it’s crucial for us to be good ambassadors by performing well, which ultimately benefits many people in the long run. When I play, it’s not just for Michael Olunga; I aim to excel to put Kenya on the football map and generate interest in Kenyan football and players,” he added.Muhoroni Youth’s last stand: Win or relegation
