Harambee Stars have not played at home since September 2023, but the scheduled reopening of Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums ahead of CHAN 2024 is good news for the side, according to Olunga.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has underscored the significance of playing home matches on Kenyan soil, emphasizing that hosting games at venues like Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium will be instrumental in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a potential first in Kenya’s history.
Reflecting on Kenya’s 3-0 triumph over Ethiopia during the 2019 AFCON qualifiers at a packed Kasarani Stadium, Olunga highlighted the irreplaceable role of home support.
“It makes a difference. The Swahili say Mcheza Kwao Hutuzwa (there is a reward for those who shine at home). We really need the 12th man,” Olunga shared during an earlier NTV interview.
“When the stadium is full, it fills you with loads of energy to play. Even situations where you’d normally avoid sprinting, you’d find yourself doing it. The fans bring that extra motivation.”
With Kenya scheduled to host Gabon in March as part of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Olunga is optimistic that the ongoing upgrades to Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia will be completed in time, enabling Harambee Stars to avoid the inconvenience of playing “home” games outside the country, as was the case in 2024.
Kenya is currently preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with additional efforts focused on meeting CAF standards for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN).
)
Sports CS Salim Mvurya has given an update over the progress of Talanta Sports City, which will host the 2027 AFCON following an imprompt visit to the ground on Tuesday afternoon.
While the development of Talanta Stadium is underway, Olunga cautioned that one new stadium alone cannot address the broader infrastructural challenges faced by Kenyan teams.
“It will serve the purpose of hosting the 2027 AFCON alongside Kasarani, but it won’t relieve the overall burden. We have a lot of talent in Kenya that needs proper infrastructure. The most important thing is to start from the grassroots level—school games, proper coaching, and pathways from junior teams to senior teams to help players gain international exposure,” Olunga noted.
Despite Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, Olunga remains confident about the team’s potential under the interim leadership of Francis Kimanzi.
With a promising blend of experienced players, rising stars, and local talent, the Harambee Stars captain believes Kenya can consistently compete on bigger stages like the AFCON and World Cup.
)
Sports CS Salim Mvurya has provided an update over the renovations of the Bukhungu and Kipchoge Keino stadia.
“We have what it takes. We have a very good squad coming up, but a lot of preparation is needed. The success we achieve is a result of work done behind the scenes. I believe we have the talent, potential, and capability to make these bigger stages,” Olunga said.
Olunga’s vision for Harambee Stars extends beyond the pitch, calling for greater behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure the team is adequately supported.
He reiterated the need for consistent investments in infrastructure and grassroots development to build a stronger pipeline of talent that can sustain Kenya’s ambitions for years to come.
With the March qualifiers fast approaching, Harambee Stars will be looking to harness the power of home support to fuel their historic bid for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
