Michael Olunga, captain of the Harambee Stars, encourages Kenyans to support the national team during their first home match in years at Nyayo National Stadium, set for March 23, 2025. After extensive renovations, the stadium has been approved for international matches, serving as a crucial venue for the team’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Olunga expresses gratitude to the government for their efforts in preparing the stadium and calls for vast attendance from fans.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has delivered a message to Kenyans as the national team prepares to play their first home match in over three years at Nyayo National Stadium. The last competitive home match was held on November 15, 2021, against Rwanda during the 2022 World Cup Qualification. Since then, Kenya has had to play home matches abroad due to the absence of a CAF-approved stadium.
Following renovations, Nyayo Stadium has been deemed fit by CAF and will host the Harambee Stars’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Gabon on March 23, 2025. Olunga has called upon fans to attend the match to provide vital support as the team aims to qualify for the World Cup finals.
In an interview with FKF Media, he emphasized, “I urge our fans and Kenyans at large to turn up in large numbers on Sunday and give us the 12th-man support that we need and have been missing. Kenyans love football and we are looking forward to meeting them on Sunday.” Olunga expressed his enthusiasm about the return of competitive international football in Kenya, stating, “We will play our first competitive international match at home in four years and that will really be good.”
He also acknowledged the government’s efforts in restoring Nyayo Stadium to CAF standards. He remarked, “I want to thank the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Sports for ensuring that we have Nyayo Stadium ready for international matches.”
In addition to Nyayo Stadium, there are ongoing upgrades at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, which are nearing completion, as well as at Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino Stadium. Other facilities undergoing renovations include Police Sacco Stadium, Kirigiti Stadium, and Kasarani Annex, while a new stadium, Talanta Sports City, is currently 40% complete.
Michael Olunga’s call to action not only highlights the importance of support from Kenyan fans as the national team returns to compete at home but also emphasizes the government’s commitment to improving sports infrastructure. The refurbished Nyayo Stadium will serve as a vital venue for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, marking a significant milestone for Kenyan football.
Original Source: www.mozzartsport.co.ke
