Benni McCarthy advises Michael Olunga on how to deal with fan criticism
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 11.09.25. | 18:31
The coach said he shared the same story with the skipper, especially when he closed in on being South Africa’s all-time top scorer
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shared survival tactics with his captain, Michael Olunga, who has been on the receiving end of fan criticism in recent times.
The former Gor Mahia star has been the punching bag for a section of Kenyan fans in recent times, especially when Harambee Stars post poor results and performances.
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Such was the case when Kenya suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to The Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, where Harambee Stars were off colour.
McCarthy has now weighed in on the matter, jumping to the defense of the all-time Al Duhail top scorer and offering sound advice.
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“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. "Work and keep sticking the ball at the back of the net.”
Olunga silenced his critics against Seychelles when he bagged a brace, first from the spot at the stroke of half-time and from a header in the 67th minute, connecting with a Rooney Onyango cross.
The former Bafana Bafana striker believes such is the way to silence critics and re-emphasised the importance of the Al-Arabi man to his squad.
Goallllllllll
— Kasarani Stadium (@KasaraniStadium) September 9, 2025
Michael Olunga with his second goal of the game here at Kasarani Stadium 🏟️
67' Kenya 🇰🇪 5-0 🇸🇨 Seychelles#HarambeeStars looking for a sixth goal 😀 pic.twitter.com/C8AQfFHehk
“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,” the coach added.
McCarthy cited similarities during his playing days, even as he went on to become South Africa’s all-time top scorer, a feat Olunga is two goals away from with Kenya.
“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,” he remarked.
With his brace against Seychelles, Olunga equalled the 34 national team goals scored by Harambee Stars legend Dennis Oliech.
William Ouma, who retired from international football in 1977, remains Kenya's all-time goal scorer with 35 goals.
