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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has said that the level of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League has improved.

Olunga pointed out how the league has recently contributed top players to the national side as one of the reasons why the competition is on a rising trajectory.

“Kenya has a lot of good players, and the KPL is becoming more competitive. Good players are emerging, and it is encouraging.

“Like Sakwa was in Division One, he is now with Bandari, and now he is with the national team. That is encouraging, and for the players, once you work hard, someone is watching you, and you can always get that opportunity to play,” Olunga told the press during Harambee Stars’ training session.

Olunga and his teammates are in camp, preparing to feature in the Four-Nations tournament to be held in Malawi during the next FIFA international break.

The Al Duhail SC striker said the tournament will give them the necessary preparations ahead of their next international duties.

“This tournament is going to be good preparation for us ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and also the CHAN.

“It is going to be a good chance to gauge the players because sometimes international competitions are different from league matches.

“We are good; the players are good, and the mood in the camp is great. There are new faces, of course—some players have received their first call-ups, while others are returning after a long time.

“That is the beauty of it because there is room in the national team for all the players who work hard,” he added.

New players

Head coach Engin Firat gave a number of players their debut call-ups, and Olunga said this will improve the quality of the squad because it will bring stiff competition.

“Competition is good; we are out there to bring the best, and there are still more upcoming players.

“Whoever gets the nod to play will represent us well, and we will be there to support each other. As I said, having many quality players on the team is good for the nation because it gives us options,” the former Gor Mahia and Thika United striker continued.

With the return of John Avire, the striking department, of which Olunga is part, is expected to see a tight fight for starting slots.

The team will leave for Lilongwe on Thursday for the tournament that will see Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the hosts take part in.