Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is optimistic about the team's prospects in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Speaking on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as the Benni McCarthy-led squad departed for Burundi, Olunga highlighted the importance of these matches for team rebuilding and exposure, even though they no longer hold significance for World Cup qualification.

The national team is set to face Burundi on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in their second-to-last match in Group F. Olunga acknowledged that some players are experiencing fatigue, having just returned from club duties abroad. However, he affirmed the team's positive mindset and readiness for the challenges ahead.

Context of the Qualifiers

Kenya's Harambee Stars are participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Group F. While the team's chances of advancing to the World Cup have diminished, these remaining fixtures provide a crucial platform for the squad to develop and gain international experience. The matches offer an opportunity to test the team's capabilities in away games, a scenario Olunga noted has been less frequent recently.

The Harambee Stars have largely played their recent matches on home soil, benefiting from strong fan support. The upcoming away fixture against Burundi will allow the team to assess its performance in different environments.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Olunga emphasised the importance of these 'dead rubber' clashes for the team's long-term development. He stated, “This presents another opportunity to test ourselves outside the country and within the country and see how we can perform away from home. It is also another chance to rebuild the squad and get exposure at this level, even though the fixtures for us are dead rubber clashes, but we still want to have a positive impact on the last two games.”

Football analysts suggest that the team's performance in these matches could influence public perception and future policy decisions regarding national team development. Stakeholders are keen for clarity on timelines, costs, and safeguards related to the team's rebuilding efforts.

Evidence/Data

• Match Date: Harambee Stars vs. Burundi, Thursday, October 9, 2025.
• Team Departure: Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
• Coach: Benni McCarthy.
• Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Group F.

Risks and Implications

The primary risk for the Harambee Stars in these matches is a potential dip in morale due to the lack of World Cup qualification stakes. However, the opportunity for player development and tactical experimentation could outweigh this, offering long-term benefits for Kenyan football. The team's ability to perform well under these circumstances could also attract more investment and support for youth development programs.

What to Watch

Observers will be keenly watching how Coach Benni McCarthy utilises these matches to integrate new talent and refine tactical approaches. The performance of fatigued players, particularly those returning from demanding club schedules, will also be a key area of focus. The team's ability to secure positive results away from home will be a strong indicator of their progress.