Michael Olunga Excites Kenyans With Subtle Response To Initial Omission From Harambee Stars's Squad

• Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga was a surprise omission from the provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers
• Hours after the squad was named, Olunga shared a post on his social media pages that elicited mixed reactions
• However, coach Engin Firat came out to issue a clarification on why Olunga’s name did not feature in the list

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga has left Kenyans talking after sharing a subtle post on his social media pages.

Olunga’s post came after being initially omitted from Kenya’s team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat named the provisional squad on Monday, May 20, and Olunga’s name was conspicuously missing.

In a post on his verified X handle hours after the provisional squad was released, the Qatar-based striker said,

“The man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd.”

The 30-year-old forward has starred in Kenya’s recent games, and his omission left many surprised.

Netizens react to Olunga’s ommision

The post attracted mixed reactions from Kenyans. TUKO.co.ke compiled some of them;

@gabrieloguda:

Volume iko chini sana. Ongeza kidogo.

@MuvitiSamuel1:

What's up bro you not in the squad?

@HonJohnOsewe

Regard the coach's decision with http://respect.It is not your exclusive right to be in the squad. Never attempt to control the manager. Omera

@OchyOchy11

Bro acha mafumbo. stop going through the corners and tell us whta's happening.

@gichmikey

Wewe sasa kubali pia kusupport young talent buana, give them a chance

Engin Firat clarified Michael Olunga’s omission

But as football lovers wondered what could have led to Olunga's axing from the national team, coach Firat issued a clarification.

In an interview with Twiga News, Firat insisted that Olunga was still part of his team.

He noted that there was an error in the list of the provisional squad released by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

“Michael Olunga is part of the team and will play a crucial role in the qualifying campaign. He was missing from the list but he will link up with the team before we play in Malawi,” Firat told Twiga News.

Where will Harambee Stars play World Cup qualifiers?

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Kenya's Harambee Stars' bid to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup was dealt a blow.

This comes after it became apparent that the national team will not host qualifiers for the 2026 football showpiece, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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Collage of Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga and head coach Engin Firat.

Michael Olunga Excites Kenyans with Subtle Response to Initial Omission

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