Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has come to the defense of Michael Olunga’s wasteful performances for the team while also offering advice to Kakamega Homeboyz striker Moses Shummah.
Engin Firat, head coach of the Harambee Stars, has defended Michael Olunga against criticism over his recent ineffective performances in the national team uniform.
Olunga had managed to score only once in seven international matches before netting twice against Seychelles in Kenya’s final game of 2023, a match where they triumphed over their rivals 5-0. Despite this, fans have continued to express concerns over his recent lack of goals, urging Firat to find a dependable striker to challenge the team captain.
Nevertheless, Firat has stood by Olunga, emphasizing that his talent is enduring, despite a temporary dip in performance. “I am aware of how many teams desire Michael. I’m glad he’s with us. Every forward in the world, including the greatest in history, has had periods where they didn’t score, so I’m quite calm because it matters that he scores in the crucial games,” Firat explained in a recent interview with Radio 47.
“The most significant aspect is a player’s quality. Every player experiences highs and lows. Michael possesses exceptional qualities.” Firat expressed disappointment for Masoud Juma, who suffered an Achilles rupture earlier this year, potentially sidelining him for six months, but remains optimistic about the forward’s recovery.
“After Michael, our next option is Masoud Juma, who is now facing a long-term absence. He is a talented player, and I hope he’ll return to us soon.” Meanwhile, Firat has provided guidance to Moses Shummah, who gained attention in 2023 and scored on his debut for the Harambee Stars.
“I’ve made my expectations clear to every player, and I expect Moses to develop further,” Firat remarked. “I’m not satisfied with his lack of playtime with his team (Kakamega Homeboyz), so he needs to compete for it, and then we’ll see more of him.”
Firat also hinted at giving opportunities to other players during the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Malawi this March. Strikers like Bandari’s Francis Kahiro and Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala might have the chance to prove their worth. “This tournament will allow me to test new players and possibly a new system in preparation for June, and I think we’ll see some entirely new faces.”
“To build a team, you need more than just 11 players; you need at least 23. So, we have to experiment until we reach a point where I believe we have two or three players, and everyone understands the system we need to play and our objectives. At that point, I can say if someone is missing, it’s no problem, but we’re not there yet.”
