Olunga’s clarion call ahead of Kenya-Iran friendly

© Michael Olunga

FOOTBALL Olunga’s clarion call ahead of Kenya-Iran friendly

Kiplagat Sang • 12:40 - 25.03.2023

The skipper is expected to lead Harambee Stars during the meeting against the Asians.

It is now time to forget about the FIFA suspension and get back to work, Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has urged ahead of Iran friendly.

Kenya was in the cold when the world football governing body sanctioned them but are now back and their first assignment is a game against Iran on March 28.

"It means well to be back for the national duties because it is an honour to represent Kenya on this international stage," Olunga told the media on Saturday.

"Of course, we have been out for almost one and a half years, and it has not been an easy time for all the stakeholders.

"But now it is time to put everything that happened behind us and get back to work."

The players have been in camp preparing to face the Asian nation, and the Al Duhail SC striker has revealed how prepared they are.

"We are good in camp, and all the players are in good condition. We have had a lot of the players that were called up; from the provisional squad and now a trimmed squad," the former Kashiwa Reysol star stated.

"All the players are giving their best and we are all ready for the challenge. We know we are going to represent the nation, and we will do all we can to have the best result.

"It is going to be a first test against a good opponent and it is a good test to know where our level is at. Next, we can make more preparations for the upcoming assignment."

The former Thika United forward also previewed Iran and pointed out the benefits Harambee Stars will get from playing the match.

"Everybody knows Iran is a good side, they were in the World Cup and any team representing their nation at the World Cup is good, tactically and technically," he concluded.

"They are a good side and played Russia a few days ago and drew 1-1, and so as players, we want to play this kind of game, and this is a positive step from the federation for organizing such a high-caliber friendly.

"When we want to reach this kind of stage, we have to go and compete with the people who normally go far in these kinds of competitions.

"Everybody is gearing up for this friendly."

Coach Firat named his final squad to travel to Tehran, and the conspicuous omission was Benson Omala of Gor Mahia.

Related content