Harambee Stars captain and Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga has responded to the backlash he faces from a section of the Kenyan fan base.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is no stranger to criticism despite his consistent performances on the pitch.
The Al Duhail forward recently addressed the negativity he faces, taking to social media to share his perspective.
“When you choose to stick to your standards/lane and not conform to certain ideologies. But we move regardless,” Olunga posted, hinting at the scrutiny he endures.
His words came after a fan voiced their 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.”
The Michael Olunga Football Academy Technical Director has been criticized for creating a tough working condition at the club by departed coach Alfred Chole.
Olunga has consistently let his performances speak louder than words.
In Al Duhail’s recent 2-0 victory over Al-Wakrah at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Olunga netted his ninth goal of the campaign.
This milestone sees him match his goal tally from the previous 2023/24 season, where he finished as the league’s fifth top scorer.
His goal-scoring prowess continues to be crucial for Al Duhail, keeping them at the summit of the league standings with 35 points from 15 matches.
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Michael Olunga has taken time to celebrate his latest exploits with fine dining served by iconic Japanese chef.
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They currently maintain a four-point lead over second-placed Al Sadd, the reigning champions, whom they are set to face on February 22 in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash.
Criticism is not new to 30-year-old striker. Despite his achievements, including a historic 28-goal haul in a single J1 League match while at Kashiwa Reysol and finishing as the league’s top scorer in the 2020 season, he has often faced skepticism, particularly from sections of the Kenyan football fraternity.
Some have unfairly questioned his club choices, suggesting he should move to a more high-profile European league rather than playing in Qatar’s Stars League.
However, his decision to remain at Al Duhail has proven fruitful, with the forward winning multiple titles and consistently delivering impressive goal returns including winning the golden boot during the 2022/23 campaig as he led the side to the title while being one of the highest earning Kenyan footballers.
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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has revealed his ultimate dream as Harambee Stars captain before he calls time on his career.
His time with the Harambee Stars has also been subject to scrutiny despite being the nation’s fourth top scorer with 30 goals. Some critics argue that he has not replicated his club-level dominance on the international stage.
However, Kenya’s inconsistent performances as a team have often been beyond his control.
Through it all, Olunga has remained steadfast, choosing to focus on his craft rather than engaging with detractors.
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