Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manousakis has addressed the absence of team captain Michael Olunga, explaining that injuries have affected several key players in the squad. With the team set to face Equatorial Guinea and Senegal in international friendlies on November 14 and November 18, the technical bench has made deliberate decisions to manage player workloads.
Olunga, along with other notable absentees such as Collins Sichenje, has been excused from the squad to allow for proper recovery. This decision comes after a demanding schedule at the club level for several players, who are dealing with minor injuries and fitness concerns. The coaching staff believes it is crucial to protect their players’ health, which has led to the inclusion of fresh faces in the squad.
The upcoming friendlies provide an opportunity for younger, less experienced players to step up. The absence of senior figures like Olunga has created space for promising new talent, including players who have yet to feature regularly at the senior international level. Despite the challenges posed by the injuries, the technical bench remains optimistic about the team’s prospects.
Manousakis stressed that the friendlies, although important, are an ideal platform for exposing younger players to senior international football. Matches against strong African sides like Senegal offer a valuable chance to assess how these new additions respond under competitive conditions. The team’s depth will be tested, but the coach is confident that the squad will rise to the occasion and gain valuable experience that will benefit them in the future.
The absence of key players has raised concerns among fans, but the coach emphasized that this is a necessary phase of transition. The goal is to build a more resilient team, with a focus on long-term development. Despite the setbacks, Harambee Stars remain committed to the challenge and will look to make the most of these friendlies, preparing for future competitions.
