'Its Not in My Mind' - Michael Olunga Claims as He Nears Harambee Stars All-Time Goalscoring Record

As the Harambee Stars prepare for their final two fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF qualifiers, captain Michael Olunga insists the chase for Kenya’s all-time goalscoring record is far from consuming his focus. 

With qualification out of reach, Kenya heads to confront Burundi on October 9 and Ivory Coast on October 14 in what are now considered dead-rubber matches for Group F. 

Olunga made clear that while breaking the national scoring record would be gratifying, his priority lies in helping his team in whatever role needed — whether scoring, defending, or offering leadership.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

 “The most important thing for me is to work hard and help the team in whichever way possible … It’s not so much in my mind,” he stated in a recent press session at Police Sacco Stadium.

Pressed further over what it would mean for him to break the duck, with the striker now just two goals away from breaking William ‘Chege’ Ouma’s record, Olunga did admit it would have been an honor to finally become the new topscorer 10 years since making his debut while still a Gor Mahia player.

“It’s a good achievement — something any player would aspire to. Hopefully, one day, I’ll be able to become the all-time top scorer. But there’s still a lot of hard work to be done.

“At the end of the day, it’s a great feeling, and I’m grateful for the journey so far.”

Kenya’s final two matches will both be played away: first in Lilongwe, Malawi then in Abidjan against Ivory Coast.

While the team has already been eliminated from contention, these games offer a last chance for players to test themselves on the road, for the coach to assess squad depth, and for supporters to see signs of future direction.

Olunga views the positives of it, especially with Benni McCarthy focused on building a squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“It’s another chance to go and test ourselves outside the country and see how we perform away from home. I believe it’s also a great opportunity to continue rebuilding the squad and giving the players more exposure at this level.

“Even though these fixtures are technically dead rubbers for us, we still want to finish strong and have a positive impact in the last two games,” Olunga concluded.