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Michael Olunga asks fans to draw line between positive criticism and cyberbullying
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 10.09.25. | 20:36
The striker reminded fans of the fine line between supporting the team and subjecting players to abuse
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has urged fans to distinguish between constructive criticism and social media bullying when offering their remarks on the performance of the team.
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Critics were hard on Olunga following the team’s disappointing 3-1 loss to The Gambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match played on Friday last week.
Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, for the first time in history, took a major blow after conceding three first-half goals against the Scorpions, led by in-form Yankuba Minteh.
Despite a late consolation from Ryan Ogam, Kenya struggled to cope and were second best throughout the evening.
The match saw coach Benni McCarthy hand opportunities to a blend of players, including Richard Odada, Timothy Ouma, Ronney Onyango, Duke Abuya, and William Lenkupae, alongside CHAN 2024 regulars Abud Omar, Sylvester Owino, and Byrne Omondi.
Olunga, returning to the starting line-up after last featuring against Gabon in March, failed to find his rhythm despite a few chances.
The poor outing triggered a wave of online criticism, much of it aimed at Olunga, who many fans expected to deliver in a crucial fixture.
Speaking after Kenya bounced back with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Seychelles on Tuesday, 9 September, the striker reminded fans of the fine line between supporting the team and subjecting players to abuse.
“It is part of the game; if you want to become a leader and a player, you have to handle criticism.
Of course, positive criticism is welcome, but at the same time, we have to draw the line between positive criticism and cyberbullying,” Olunga said.
The Al Arabi forward further acknowledged that criticism from fans often comes from a genuine desire to see the team succeed, which he views as a positive sign of passion and support.
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However, he cautioned that this should not cross into personal attacks or online bullying.
“At the end of the day, criticism makes us better, and it means that the fans want the best out of the players and the national team,” he said.
Olunga silenced some of his doubters with a brace against Seychelles, taking his tally of international goals to 34,equaling that of legendary Dennis Oliech.
It was also Kenya’s second victory of the campaign, against Seychelles, having won 5-0 in their first meeting in 2023 in Abidjan.
Harambee Stars will be away to Burundi in the next match scheduled for Wednesday, 8 October, before facing the Ivory Coast two days later.
