Ex-international Situma wants more from Harambee Stars, says team ‘dangerous’ with Olunga upfront

The national football team Harambee Stars are more lethal and scary when Captain Michael Olunga is on the pitch.

This is according to Olunga’s former national team mate James Situma.

Situma who formerly turned out for the national side as well as Sofapaka, Tusker and AFC Leopards, says the Engine Firat-coached team is heavily reliant on the Al Duhail forward for goals and that  it won’t change in the foreseeable future as long as he is fit to play.

 “You know football has many dynamics but again we can’t rule out the aspect of Olunga’s importance in the first team. He always leads the team from the front because he is the captain,” Situma said, “To miss him in the starting eleven because of an injury is always a big blow to the team. Everything happens for a reason.”

Olunga netted a hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in the Four Nations Tournament in March stretching his tally to 29 goals in 58 matches.

He subsequently missed AFCON Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia with Situma hailing striker John Avire for filling the void, in matches Kenya picked four points out of a possible six after a draw and win respectively.

 “For someone to get a chance because his teammate has been ruled out with an injury means that another player should take the chance and utilize it well.

John Avire did so exemplary by scoring a goal through a sumptuously executed free-kick in the match played in Johannesburg, South Africa,” he said,  “This is football and good for the coaching team because as long as you have options upfront then you have chances to win matches.”

The outcome of the matches played last week left Kenya topping Group J on goal difference. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon whom they face next also have four points while Zimbabwe are third on two points and Namibia bottom with zero points.

Situma also reckons there is need for the Stars to be ruthless and capitalise on the mistakes made by their opponents in their quest for a ticket to Morocco 2025.