Benni McCarthy Advised on 'Next Michael Olunga' Potential After Harambee Stars Call-Up

Harambee Stars are set to feature a fresh face in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with rookie Lawrence Okoth included in the squad to face Burundi on October 9 and the Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025.

Okoth is one of the new names in Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy’s selection for the two crucial matches, and veteran coach George Owoko Oduor, who played a key role in the young forward's development, believes his protégé is ready for the international stage.

George Owoko boasts an impressive career, having won three Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national titles with Ambira High School and also secured championships with Barding and St. Anthony’s Boys, Kitale.

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A CAF B licensed tactician, George Owoko also holds a FIFA High-Level Certificate and has coached at clubs including Bandari, Tusker, Talanta, and MOFA over the past decade.

He spoke about his long-standing connection to the young talent. George Owoko described Lawrence Okoth as a reserved but brilliant player who might take time to open up, but was always a keen listener.

"Lawrence’s father is a very close friend. I’ve known Lawrence since he was barely a year old. His father always hoped one of his sons would become a professional,” George Owoko told Citizen Digital.

"I enrolled him in the Aspire Football Programme, and after he finished secondary school, I took him under my wing to sharpen his skills at Vihiga Bullets and later in Nairobi. He even scored a B in his exams."

Early in his development, George Owoko focused on refining Okoth's finishing, first touch, and positioning. George Owoko is confident the young forward will seize his opportunity.

"He had to learn to hold the ball as a target striker, to create angles from the blind side, and to use both feet. He’s now a true finisher who can shoot from distance and involve teammates in the build-up," he added.

"I can tell the national team coach to be patient with him. He may look slow, but Lawrence knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s smart, he’s clinical, and he can use both feet."

Lawrence Okoth, who has drawn comparisons to Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, became the first Kenyan to score at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, netting twice in the 2025 group stage.

His performances for the Kenya U20 Rising Stars, MOFA FC, and a subsequent move to Finnish top-flight club SJK Seinäjoki captured the attention of Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, leading to his first senior call-up, and now all eyes will be on him to impress.