Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has spotlighted two Kenya Premier League players whose careers have soared following standout performances at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The continental showpiece, staged in August and jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania under the banner PAMOJA—Swahili for Together—marked Kenya’s debut appearance in the tournament and its first time hosting a major football competition since the 1987 All-Africa Games.
Kenya’s run ended at the quarter-final stage, bowing out to Madagascar on penalties after an inspiring group campaign. Still, the tournament proved a major breakthrough for several players, with Olunga pointing to specific names as proof of Kenya’s promising future.
“These tournaments also help the national team to grow because when the likes of Manzur Okwaro, Alpha Onyango and the rest dominate these games, it means we have a team for the future,” said Olunga.
The 31-year-old striker also emphasized the opportunities CHAN has created for others to pursue careers abroad.
“With CHAN, we have seen the rise of many local players, and that shows it was a good platform because again we have seen the likes of Ryan Ogam, Alphonce Omija and Faruk Shikhalo secure moves.
With such tournaments and Kenya advancing to the latter stages, it brings more attention to our players,” he added.
Kenya’s national team recently fielded a squad of 25 players for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles, with 13 of them based in the local league—a figure Olunga says should inspire others to keep striving.
“We want many more players who play in the FKFPL to work hard and to know that the door for the national team is always open.
“Like the coach said, he gives opportunities to players who are more deserving so that we can create a good atmosphere and environment for young players to grow and become professionals in the near future.”