Michael Olunga (L) with Ryan Ogam.

Ryan Ogam scored his first three goals for the main Harambee Stars set up, all while playing alongside Michael Olunga during the games against Gambia and Seychelles.

Harambee Stars sensation Ryan Ogam has expressed his pride at having emerged as a national hero since August, which has seen his career move to new heights.

Ogam, who is set to be unveiled as a new Wolfsberger player later this week, was among the shining lights for Kenya at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) as well as the recent World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles, where he scored three goals in his first two FIFA-recognised games.

Speaking to the media after the match against Seychelles, where they beat them 5-0 in front of Kenyan fans at Kasarani Stadium, Ogam explained why the side adopted a set-piece approach to secure the win.

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“We wanna thank God for the win. Set pieces were part of the plan today because they had small players and we used our height advantage to dominate, and it helped us,” Ogam, who scored a brace with the first goal from a free kick delivered by Duke Abuya, explained.

Ogam also spoke about what his first three goals for Kenya mean to him — even though he did score another two for the local B side during the 2024 CHAN tournament.

“It is a good feeling because I have now scored three goals in two games. I thank God for this moment and I hope it will help us in the next camp.”

Kenya will be facing Burundi and Ivory Coast in October, and Ogam believes the momentum gained will be crucial in helping them finish as high up the table as possible.

“We are playing Burundi and Ivory Coast away. I hope we will build the momentum on and get all six points.”

Ogam started the Seychelles game alongside captain Michael Olunga for the second game in a row, having come on as a substitute to partner him against Gambia.

Reflecting on the experience of playing alongside such a seasoned goalscorer, Ogam revealed how inspiring the former Gor Mahia man has been for him.

“Playing with the captain is a good thing. He has achieved a lot in his career, so playing alongside him is a huge privilege. I am learning a lot from him, and it is a good thing, so the more I learn, maybe I will get where he is, and maybe more.”

“He is a good finisher and his positioning is elite as you saw today.”

As Ogam prepares to join Wolfsberger, one of the biggest sides in Austrian football, he hopes it will give him the platform to continue elevating his game and perhaps, even earn a move to a bigger side afterwards.

“Wolfsberger is a good team and a big one, and I am focused on it. It is a good club and I will give my best like I did for Tusker and for the national team.

“I want to thank the fans who turned up in large numbers. Today was a busy day and they still came. We thank them for this and I hope they keep pushing us to the very next level.”

Ogam’s rise from a Tusker forward to a Harambee Stars hero on the international stage has been nothing short of remarkable. With his move to Europe now on the horizon and the mentorship of Michael Olunga guiding him, the youngster’s journey is only just beginning.

 If his early performances are anything to go by, Kenyan football fans may be witnessing the emergence of the country’s next great striker.