Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has warned that business is not going to be as usual when Kenya meet Qatar in an international friendly.

A friendly game at the host of the 2022 World Cup finals offers Olunga an opportunity to face off with his club teammates at Al Duhail.

Olunga’s warning

The Qatar Stars League’s top scorer has, however, stated that he will set aside the friendship he has with his teammates when he leads Kenya on Thursday, September 7, in a match in Doha.

“There are four players on their national team from Duhail. It will be a good competition; I already told them we will not be friends during the game,” Olunga told the press.

The former Gor Mahia and Tusker striker also highlighted the importance of the Qatar friendly ahead of their World Cup qualifying matches later on.

“In the African football setup, we will go to play away to Ivory Coast and Gabon, and these are hostile environments, and we have to be able to handle these kinds of pressure. It is a good friendly, and I am really looking forward to it,” Olunga said.

Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks star Stanley Wilson is happy for his maiden Harambee Stars call-up.

“This is a dream come true,” the youngster said.

“As a young player, you grow up with many ambitions and targets to achieve, and this is one. I surely didn’t expect it, but I see why. I have put in over the years to be here because I believe that I am the best of the best.”

Head coach Engin Firat has been leading the training sessions at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, since he named a provisional squad.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Byrne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC)

Defenders: Collins Sichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Clarke Oduor (England)

Midfielders: Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hodd, Norway), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Stanley Wilson (Kariobangi Sharks)

Forwards: Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia)