Harambee Stars’ captain Olunga defended after firing blanks against Russia
By Joel Sang, October 17, 2023Former Gor Mahia and Sofapaka forward Ronald Okoth has defended Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga after failing to score for the national team against Russia.
Kenya and Russia clashed and drew 2-2 in an international friendly held in Turkey on Monday, October 16, and Olunga was unable to score.
Olunga shielded
Although Olunga has been a key goalscorer for Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, he has struggled to replicate the same top form while turning out for the national team.
He found himself criticized when he fired blanks against the Russians, but Okoth has come to his defence.
“(It is) insane to see how our current captain, Olunga, is getting the stick from a section of fans; this is exactly how our other former captain, (Victor) Wanyama, was forced into early retirement.
“We have the most difficult football fans to impress. Quick to forget your name in favour of the next hot prospect,” Okoth said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
To Okoth, Olunga’s dry days in front of goal while on duty for Harambee Stars are normal for any player.
“Most of the time, emotions expressed by a section are always too personal and reactive rather than proactive. There is never a day in sports where you will always be at your best.
“Bad days in the office are a must. Doesn’t take away your class,” continued the Premier League winner.
The assignment Olunga is asked to undertake is far more than scoring goals, Okoth argues.
“He is being deployed as a target man; a target man’s role is more than just scoring goals.
“Receiving the ball and feeding into mid-attackers: link up play, create space in the box through runs for other players to score, and physically dominate opponents,” the former KCB and Mathare United star continued.
Gor Mahia forward Benson Omala, who is the leading scorer in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, was overlooked for the national assignment.
Okoth is afraid that the fans can put pressure on head coach Engin Firat to summon Omala, but the retired forward is afraid he will face the same fate as Olunga.
“Let’s not put pressure on Omala; trust me, he might be called up due to fan pressure and have a few dry runs, which will be more damaging to his confidence and young career.
“His time will definitely come. Currently, the only leader in that dressing room is Micah; he needs support,” he added.
Firat lauded
Apart from defending Olunga, Okoth also defended Firat and said there are improvements on the national team he has managed to achieve.
“I beg to defer; you have all just refused to acknowledge the improvement he has brought, even if it’s 1%. Look at it critically.
“On my end, I have noted bold areas of improvement. A coach needs time; results are not instant,” Okoth concluded.
Next for Olunga and Firat is a World Cup qualifier against Gabon in November.