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The former Gor Mahia striker has jumped to the defence of Michael Olunga after he attracted criticism from fans for missing a sitter against Russia.
Former Gor Mahia striker Ronald Okoth has jumped to the defence of Michael Olunga after a difficult last few outings in front of goal donning a Harambee Stars shirt.
Olunga missed a glorious opportunity to score against Russia when Richard Odada made an excellent pass to him in the 44th minute, before hitting the ball wide after he had lobbed the keeper when one on one.
It was the third game in a row that the former Gor Mahia striker had missed a glorious opportunity to score, after missing a couple of chances against Qatar and another one against South Sudan.
Okoth jumped to the defence of Olunga, warning that the towering striker could be forced into early retirement from the national team like Victor Wanyama if fans keep bashing him.
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17:00 - 17.10.2023
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"(It is) insane to see how our current captain, Olunga, is getting the stick from a section of fans; this is exactly how our other former captain, (Victor) Wanyama, was forced into early retirement,” Okoth wrote on his X handle (formerly Twitter).
"Most of the time, emotions expressed by a section are always too personal and reactive rather than proactive. There is never a day in sports where you will always be at your best.
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08:06 - 17.10.2023
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"Bad days in the office are a must. Doesn’t take away your class."
Okoth has challenged fans to understand Olunga’s role in the team as someone who brings other players into the game with his back to goal play.
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08:41 - 16.09.2023
FOOTBALL Why Michael Olunga should not be judged on goals alone despite Harambee Stars drought
Michael Olunga has faced criticism from a section of Kenyan fans over his lack of goals for Harambee Stars but he brings much more to the side
"He is being deployed as a target man; a target man's role is more than just scoring goals.
"Receiving the ball and feeding into mid-attackers: link up play, create space in the box through runs for other players to score, and physically dominate opponents."
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16:34 - 18.10.2023
FOOTBALL Michael Olunga posts cryptic response after unwarranted criticism from fans
Harambee Stars Captain Olunga breaks silence on goal drought, shares an interesting reel after Russia draw.
Okoth, who also played for Western Stima and Sofapaka, has asked fans not to put pressure on Benson Omala who is scoring goals for fun, saying that they forget so fast considering Olunga and Masud Juma were also one of the top goalscorers in the Premier League once.
"Let’s not put pressure on Omala; trust me, he might be called up due to fan pressure and have a few dry runs, which will be more damaging to his confidence and young career.
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11:52 - 17.10.2023
FOOTBALL Michael Olunga: Harambee Stars captain’s performance divides opinion among Kenyans
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga was the subject of criticism from a section of Kenyans who feel he has not been impressive for the national team in recent matches
"We have the most difficult football fans to impress. Quick to forget your name in favour of the next hot prospect.
"His time will definitely come. Currently, the only leader in that dressing room is Micah; he needs support.”
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