Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has tipped Tusker striker Ryan Ogam to be the heir to Harambee Stars skipper and talisman Michael Olunga.

Speaking on Sunday, July 20, 2025, McCarthy opined that the striker who made the cut in Kenya’s final squad for the Four Nations tournament in Arusha can go on to play an influential role for Kenya.

The striker started the 2025 league on a thrilling season, scoring 15 goals for the Brewers before lagging after an injury-ravaged season. He, however, returned late, having done enough to earn the nod of the new Harambee Stars coach for the upcoming CHAN games.

“Ryan is important to the team; he probably will be leading the line for us when the campaign starts. He can probably be the next Michael Olunga one day,” he told journalists.

From midfielder to striker

The player, who was only remodelled to be a striker after his switch from lower-tier league Rainbow FC, while commenting on his chances to feature for the national side, stated that he is still learning much in his newly adopted role.

“I had played a striker in my high school, and I took the role when needed to. I never imagined I would one day play for the national team, even less as a striker. I am looking forward to learning each and every day how to score goals and what strikers do,” a modest Ogam stated.

McCarthy was forced to reshuffle his provisional squad for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) following the abrupt departure of lethal striker Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro, who signed for Zambian Super League outfit Power Dynamos. 

The departures saw Ogam, who finished third behind the two, earn his chance, which now looks more imminent with less than a month to the continental games kick-off.

Meanwhile, Kenya is expected to kick off its preparation for the tournament with friendly ties in the Four Nations Tournament.

According to the revised fixtures, Stars will now open their campaign against hosts Tanzania on Monday, 21 July 2025.

Their second match will be against Senegal on Thursday, 24 July, and they will wrap up the tournament with a regional derby against Uganda on Sunday, 27 July.

All matches are set to take place at Karatu Stadium in Arusha.