Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is facing mounting pressure to drop team captain Michael Olunga from the national squad. With the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) approaching, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is urging McCarthy to overhaul the team, prioritising younger, homegrown players. Olunga, a standout performer at club level, has come under scrutiny for his inconsistent displays with the national team, sparking a debate about his role moving forward.
Olunga’s Performance Club vs. Country
Olunga’s record speaks volumes. For Kenya, he has netted 32 goals in 65 appearances, averaging a goal every two matches—a solid return for international football. He sits just three strikes shy of becoming the nation’s all-time leading scorer (35 goals). At club level, his form is even more impressive. Playing for Al Duhail in Qatar, Olunga has scored 121 goals, cementing his status as the club’s all-time top scorer and showcasing his clinical edge.
Yet, his national team performances have drawn criticism. In recent World Cup qualifiers, Michael Olunga scored against Gambia (via a penalty) and Gabon, but missed key chances—like a header against Gambia—and his goal against Gabon came in a 2-1 defeat, highlighting Kenya’s struggles. Critics argue he fails to replicate his club-level ruthlessness, often faltering under the pressure of international duty with less support from teammates.
McCarthy’s Stance and Federation Pressure
McCarthy has staunchly defended his captain. “He’s one of the best finishers in the game and a fantastic leader,” the South African coach declared. He added, “If there are players proving to be better than him, they will play, but unfortunately, he is the best we have got.” McCarthy values Olunga’s leadership and experience, especially as Kenya navigates a transitional phase.
Conversely, the FKF sees the CHAN tournament—exclusive to domestic league players—as a chance to rebuild. Since Olunga plays abroad, he’s ineligible for CHAN, rendering the “drop” debate irrelevant for that competition.
The federation’s focus on youth is wise, particularly for CHAN, which offers local talents a platform to shine and bolster Kenya’s football development. However, sidelining Olunga entirely would be premature. His goal-scoring record and leadership remain vital for other tournaments, like the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. McCarthy should strike a balance: nurture emerging stars for CHAN while retaining Olunga for non-CHAN fixtures. His experience could stabilize the squad during this rebuild.
