Victor Wanyama's advice to Michael Olunga on dealing with Harambee Stars' criticism
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 29.06.26. | 21:02
Having been a victim of the same treatment as captain of the national team, Wanyama understands Olunga’s predicaments too well
With occasional scathing criticism from Kenyans levelled against them, former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has offered wise counsel to his successor, Michael Olunga, on how to deal with fan censure.
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Olunga has faced mounting criticism from fans in his recent national team appearances, largely due to Harambee Stars' struggles and the high demands placed on him by the Kenyan faithful.
The former Gor Mahia stalwart seemed to have had enough of the naysayers, breaking his silence after Harambee Stars’ 3-1 loss to The Gambia in September 2025, where he urged fans to draw the line between positive criticism and cyberbullying.
Having been a victim of the same treatment as captain of the national team, Wanyama understands Olunga’s predicaments too well and, in a session with the media after a charity match between Friends of Wanyama and McDonald Mariga versus Friends of Mustafa Kizza, weighed in on the matter.
“You know, fans will always be fans, and they know what happens on the pitch. I believe you know football is played with 11 players, and sometimes, as a captain, you have to take responsibility.
So when they speak, you just have to be silent and work because you cannot go out and start complaining,” said Wanyama.
Nevertheless, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder backed the Al Arabi striker to successfully navigate through the criticism.
“I know it is a heavy burden on him, but I know he is experienced enough, and he knows what to do. He works hard, and yeah, just leave the rest,” he stated.
The 35-year-old also opened up on how he managed to handle fan criticism, which sometimes reached toxic levels.
“Fans will always be fans, and they always want the best, and sometimes, the reason I was not answering or saying anything was that I know myself and where I can push and if it was possible or if it was not,” he remarked.
Since he retired from football in April 2026, Wanyama has concentrated on spending more time with his family while also undertaking his coaching badges, where he is currently pursuing a UEFA A Coaching License.