Michael Olunga has opened up on the pressure that comes with being the captain of the national football team Harambee Stars ten years since his debut while still playing for Gor Mahia.
Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga has shed light on the immense pressure that comes with leading the national team, having spent a decade as Kenya’s first-choice striker.
Since his breakout season with Gor Mahia in 2015, Olunga has been under the spotlight, a status that only intensified after his move to Swedish club Djurgårdens IF, which kickstarted his professional career.
The striker has since enjoyed stints with clubs across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including Girona in Spain, Kashiwa Reysol in Japan, and Al Duhail in Qatar.
Harambee Stars have not played at home since September 2023, but the scheduled reopening of Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums ahead of CHAN 2024 is good news for the side, according to Olunga.
However, despite his club success, his performances for Harambee Stars have often drawn scrutiny, with critics pointing to his inconsistency in front of goal.
Olunga is currently Kenya’s fifth-highest goalscorer with 30 goals, just five shy of William ‘Chege’ Ouma’s record tally of 35.
In 2021, he was handed the captain’s armband following the retirement of Victor Wanyama, a role that came with new responsibilities and heightened expectations.
“The pressure is always there during the job,” Olunga admitted during an interview on NTV last June.
“As a leader, you have to take responsibility, and that was something I had to accept from the start. This position requires a lot of dedication—you have to rise through the ranks, be more than just a leader, and motivate younger players.
“You need to be a mirror that reflects the right attributes, something every player should see in their captain.”
Despite the demands, Olunga remains proud to wear the armband and guide Kenya’s national team.
“I am truly humbled to lead a group of hardworking and talented players. My goal is to continue leading my country and performing my duties diligently,” he said.
Representing the nation, he added, comes with a deep emotional connection.
“Whenever the national anthem plays and you see the crowd eagerly anticipating, you get goosebumps. There are no friends in football—when you play for your country, you are representing 50 to 55 million people.
“That responsibility keeps me going every day because I don’t want to let people down.”
Beyond football, Olunga hopes to leave a lasting legacy.
“I want to be a good symbol in society. I want my story to be told for generations.”
As he continues his journey with Harambee Stars, Olunga remains focused on setting an example for his teammates while chasing Kenya’s all-time top scorer record.
