Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has come to the defense of star striker Michael Olunga, addressing the criticism surrounding his occasional struggles in front of goal. Firat, who has been at the helm of the national team, explained that Olunga’s inconsistent performances are not entirely due to his abilities but are significantly influenced by broader tactical issues within the team.
The Role of Wing Play in Olunga’s Performance
Firat highlighted that the lack of effective wing play has been a major factor in Olunga’s recent goal drought. The coach pointed out that when the Harambee Stars’ wingers fail to stretch the pitch and draw defenders away from Olunga, the striker becomes an easy target for opposing defenses. This situation often leads to Olunga being double-marked, making it extremely difficult for him to find scoring opportunities.
“The problem is bigger. It is not so simple,” Firat said, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. “As long as our two wings are not dangerous, the opponent focuses too much on Olunga. If the two opposing central defenders can play focusing only on Olunga, then there is no way he can come out of that.”
Firat’s comments shed light on the tactical limitations that have hindered Olunga’s ability to perform at his best for the national team. The coach’s analysis suggests that without adequate support from the flanks, even a striker of Olunga’s caliber can struggle to make an impact in front of goal.
The coach referenced Olunga’s exceptional performance during the Malawi Four Nations Tournament as evidence of what can happen when the team’s tactics are well-executed. During that tournament, Olunga scored five goals in two games, a feat that Firat attributes to the strong wing play provided by Ayub Timbe and Rooney Onyango. Both wingers played crucial roles in drawing defenders away from Olunga, creating the space he needed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“In the tournament held in Malawi, he scored five goals partly because we had Ayub Timbe and Rooney Onyango on either flanks who were very dangerous,” Firat explained. “This then opened the spaces on the side and created the opportunity for Olunga to come in and score.”
Firat’s insights reveal the importance of a well-rounded team structure that maximizes the strengths of key players like Olunga. The coach emphasized that for him to be at his most effective, the team must have a balanced approach that includes dangerous wing play to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
Despite the criticism, Firat urged fans to be patient with Olunga, reminding them that even the best players have off days. He acknowledged that while Olunga’s performances might not always meet the high expectations placed on him, it’s crucial to consider the tactical context in which he operates.
“He can have a bad day, of course, when he is not scoring goals,” Firat said. “He is also human, and people need to understand that. He is not from Mars.”
Firat further illustrated his point by recounting a specific incident during a match against Gabon, where Olunga missed an open goal in the last minute of the game. “Against Gabon, for instance, he missed an empty goal in the last minute of the match, but this can happen,” the coach noted. However, Firat also highlighted his brilliance by recalling a goal the striker scored against Zimbabwe from outside the penalty area—a goal that no one expected at that moment.
The former Moldova national team head coach continued to praise Olunga’s capabilities, emphasizing his importance to the Harambee Stars. Firat pointed out that his value to the team goes beyond just scoring goals; his presence on the pitch is integral to the team’s overall strategy and performance.
“He is a special player who is very important to us,” Firat said. “I have never had a moment with the whole team to set up a structure that favors all, which is part of the problem.”
Firat’s remarks underline the challenges that come with managing a national team where tactical adjustments are often limited by the availability of players and the time they spend together. Despite these challenges, Firat remains optimistic about his potential and the future of the Harambee Stars under his guidance.
As Kenya prepares for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, Firat has included Olunga in the provisional squad, even though the striker’s club recently announced that he suffered a foot injury. This decision reflects Firat’s belief in his ability to overcome challenges and deliver when it matters most.
In conclusion, while Michael Olunga’s recent struggles in front of goal have been a source of frustration for Kenyan fans, Engin Firat’s analysis offers a more nuanced perspective. The coach’s emphasis on the tactical factors affecting his performance highlights the importance of a well-rounded team strategy. With the right support and structure, he can continue to be a vital asset for Harambee Stars, and Firat’s guidance will be key in optimizing the striker’s potential in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
