McCarthy tells Kenya striker Olunga how to deal with fan criticism

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has explained to Harambee Stars striker, and captain Michael Olunga on how he can handle fan criticism.

The Al-Arabi forward faced online criticism after Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against Gambia, which they lost 3-1 at Kasarani Stadium. Despite playing the entire game, Olunga failed to find the target.

And with the emerging talent of youngster Ryan Ogam, who came in as a substitute against Gambia to score the consolation, a section of Kenyans fans have given Olunga sleepless nights with others calling for coach McCarthy to do away with the striker.

The South African legend has now advised the former Gor Mahia striker on what to do when faced with a similar situation.

“As long as you just work hard and get under people’s skin, they can’t get you because you keep working hard, and doing what you do best when you step onto that pitch,” McCarthy said as quoted by Mozzart Sports. “Work and keep sticking the ball at the back of the net.

“That’s what Michael has to do, just keep plugging away. He knows how important he is, to me, to the technical team, and his teammates, and that’s the only thing that matters.”

McCarthy added: “The haters will keep hating because your talent will just keep going. That is the same for me, back in the day, I never gave two monkeys about what people thought or said about me, my name is still there, and they’re still struggling to get there, so yeah,”

The lanky Olunga redeemed himself with two goals as Kenya defeated Seychelles 5-0 in their matchday eight fixture of the qualifiers.

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