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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat defends Michael Olunga, suggests critics try PlayStation if they don't understand his performance.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has come to the defense of Michael Olunga as he faces scrutiny over his recent performance for the national team.
Olunga, who has been in red-hot form for Qatar's Al Duhail, became the subject of online criticism in October for his failure to find the back of the net in five consecutive games for Kenya.
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The criticism began after Olunga's last goal for the national team came during the Harambee Stars' 2-1 defeat to Iran in March this year.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, calling on the striker to replicate his exceptional performances in the Qatar Stars League when representing his country.
In a press conference held on Monday ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles, Coach Firat passionately defended Olunga.
"If people don't understand, they should go and play the play station. Mike is so important for this country, he makes big things to represent his country,” he said. “ If you go somewhere in Middle East everybody knows Michael. Do you think they know any other Kenyan?
For me as a coach, I will never put Olunga out, there's no player of his level in Kenya at the moment. Even Masud is not near his level. Even if other people think we have players like Didier Drogba, I don't believe it."
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Olunga's recent critique surfaced after the Harambee Stars' clash against Russia on October 16, 2023, where he missed several crucial opportunities.
In one glaring instance, he failed to capitalize on a chance that could have widened Kenya's lead, inexplicably dragging his shot wide with only Ilya Pomazun, the Russian goalkeeper, to beat.
After that game, the criticism on social media was relentless, with fans expressing genuine concerns about Olunga's performances for the national team.
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One fan asked, "But what happens to this Olunga when it comes to Harambee Stars?"
Amidst the criticism, some fans have suggested that Olunga should consider leaving the Qatari Stars league, which they refer to as a "farmers' league," in favor of European football.
Some drew parallels to the career move made by David Beckham, who signed for AC Milan from LA Galaxy in 2009 to boost his World Cup squad chances.
One fan articulated this viewpoint, saying, "For our chances at the World Cup, honestly, @olunga needs a European club. From the Beckham documentary, he was given an ultimatum if he wants to make it in the World Cup squad by Capello. He will need to get out of the farmers' league."
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Olunga, who has scored an impressive eight goals for Al Duhail in the Qatari Stars League, appears to be on an unstoppable streak.
This form is expected to make him an indispensable player for the Qatari club, especially under the guidance of their new coach, Christophe Galtier, who previously led PSG to a Ligue 1 title.
In light of Olunga's continued success at the club level, it remains to be seen whether he can replicate that form for the Harambee Stars in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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