Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been given valuable advice on how to nurture Kenya’s next big football talent, Lawrence Okoth, often referred to as the ‘next Michael Olunga’. As Okoth prepares for his debut in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, expectations are high, with the forward’s performances already making waves on the international stage.
Okoth is among the new faces in McCarthy’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast in October 2025. The 20-year-old forward’s impressive form, both for the Kenya U20 Rising Stars and Finnish club SJK Seinäjoki, earned him his first senior call-up. The attention on him now shifts to how he will adjust to the pressures of international football.
George Owoko, a highly regarded coach and mentor to Okoth, has been instrumental in the young striker’s development. Having known Okoth since he was a child, Owoko has played a pivotal role in shaping his football career. Owoko recalls enrolling Okoth in the Aspire Football Programme and later guiding him through Vihiga Bullets before the move to Nairobi, where his skills were further honed. According to Owoko, Okoth’s potential is undeniable, and the young striker is more than ready for the next step.
“Lawrence is reserved, but he’s a very smart player. He listens well and absorbs everything you tell him. He may seem slow at first, but he knows exactly what he’s doing on the field. He’s a clinical finisher with both feet and can hold the ball well as a target striker,” Owoko explained.
One of the key aspects of Okoth’s game that Owoko focused on during his development was his finishing and positioning. The young forward has learned to create space, use both feet effectively, and finish from a distance. His intelligence on the field allows him to involve teammates in build-up play, making him a more well-rounded player.
McCarthy has been advised to be patient with Okoth, acknowledging that while he may not have the explosive pace of some players, his understanding of the game and clinical ability in front of goal are his key attributes. The comparisons to Michael Olunga are not without merit, but Owoko believes Okoth’s journey will unfold in its own unique way.
As Okoth prepares to take on the challenges of senior international football, all eyes will be on him to see if he can follow in the footsteps of Kenya’s most prominent striker, Michael Olunga, and make an impact in the World Cup qualifiers.
