Lawrence Okoth Might Be The ‘Next Michael Olunga’

Kenya’s national team coach Benni McCarthy has been urged to carefully manage rising forward Lawrence Okoth, a youngster many are already calling the “next Michael Olunga,” as he prepares to step into international football. Okoth has earned his first Harambee Stars call-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi on October 9 and Ivory Coast on October 14, 2025.

The young striker is among several fresh names included in McCarthy’s squad for the two crucial fixtures. His selection has stirred excitement, especially from veteran coach George Owoko Oduor, who played a pivotal role in the player’s development. According to Oduor, Okoth has the tools to shine on the international stage if handled with patience.

George Owoko’s Role in Okoth’s Development

Oduor’s credentials speak volumes. He is a CAF B licensed coach and a holder of a FIFA High-Level Certificate, with coaching stints at Tusker, Bandari, Talanta, and MOFA over the past decade. He is also highly respected for his success in school football, having led Ambira High School, Barding, and St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale to multiple national titles in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) competitions.

Reflecting on his long relationship with Okoth, Oduor explained that he has known him since childhood. “Lawrence’s father is a close friend, and I’ve known the boy since he was less than a year old. His dad always dreamed of one of his sons becoming a professional footballer,” Oduor shared. He recalled enrolling Okoth in the Aspire Football Programme and later working with him at Vihiga Bullets before guiding him through his transition in Nairobi. “He even managed a B grade in school, which shows his discipline off the pitch as well,” he added.

Advice for Benni McCarthy on Managing the Young Striker

During Okoth’s early development, Oduor concentrated on sharpening key aspects of his game, including finishing, ball control, and positioning. “He had to learn to play as a target man, create angles, and make use of both feet. Now, he’s a complete striker who can score from range and link up with teammates,” Oduor explained. He further noted that McCarthy should remain patient with the youngster, describing him as “smart, clinical, and deliberate” in his movements, even if he appears slow at first glance.

Okoth’s Rise and Comparisons to Michael Olunga

Okoth’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. He made history as the first Kenyan to score at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, netting twice during the 2025 group stage. His standout performances with the Kenya U20 Rising Stars, MOFA FC, and most recently with Finnish top-tier side SJK Seinäjoki have propelled him onto the senior radar.

The comparison to Michael Olunga, Harambee Stars’ captain and most prolific striker in recent years, underscores the weight of expectation surrounding Okoth. With McCarthy now giving him a shot at the senior team, all eyes will be on the young forward to see if he can replicate Olunga’s impact and establish himself as Kenya’s next football star.