Harambee Stars captain and Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga has addressed the persistent criticism he faces despite his consistent performances on the pitch. The prolific forward took to social media to share his thoughts, shedding light on the scrutiny he endures from a section of Kenyan football fans.
“When you choose to stick to your standards/lane and not conform to certain ideologies. But we move regardless,” Olunga posted, signaling his response to the negativity.
His statement came in the wake of a fan expressing confusion over the relentless criticism, stating, “I’ve never understood the bile on Michael Olunga. Even if we are to scrap all of his achievements, being a pro footballer itself isn’t a walk in the park. Being a human, who takes care of his family would be another task for anyone.”
Despite facing harsh opinions, Olunga has always let his performances do the talking. In Al Duhail’s recent 2-0 victory over Al-Wakrah at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, the striker found the back of the net, marking his ninth goal of the season.
This latest goal sees him equal his tally from the previous campaign, where he finished as the fifth top scorer in the league. His contributions have been instrumental in Al Duhail’s success, with the club currently sitting at the top of the table with 35 points from 15 matches.
They maintain a four-point advantage over second-placed Al Sadd, the reigning champions, setting the stage for a crucial top-of-the-table clash on February 22.
Criticism is nothing new for the 30-year-old striker. Despite his numerous achievements, including a historic 28-goal haul in a single J1 League season with Kashiwa Reysol, he continues to face skepticism, particularly from sections of the Kenyan football community.
Many have questioned his club choices, arguing that he should pursue a move to a more competitive European league rather than playing in Qatar’s Stars League. However, his decision to stay at Al Duhail has proven to be beneficial, as he has won multiple titles while consistently delivering impressive goal returns.
His dominance in Qatar was evident in the 2022/23 season, where he finished as the league’s top scorer and played a key role in leading Al Duhail to the league title. Beyond his performances, he is also one of the highest-earning Kenyan footballers, making his decision financially rewarding.
On the international stage, Olunga has also faced scrutiny despite being Kenya’s fourth all-time top scorer with 30 goals. Some critics argue that he has not been able to replicate his club-level dominance while representing Harambee Stars. However, Kenya’s inconsistent performances as a team have often been beyond his control, making it difficult for him to single-handedly carry the national side.
Despite the noise surrounding his career choices and performances, Olunga remains focused on his craft, refusing to engage in negativity. His dedication and consistency have made him one of Kenya’s most successful footballers, and he continues to prove his worth with every match he plays.
