Harambee Stars Legend Questions Benni McCarthy After Surprise Dropping of Michael Olunga

A former Harambee Stars icon has raised concerns over Benni McCarthy’s surprising decision to exclude Michael Olunga, insisting the national team captain is still crucial in guiding Kenya’s youthful squad.

Harambee Stars great Dennis Oliech has openly criticized the team’s technical bench after the star striker was left out of the squad that will feature in two friendly matches during the November FIFA international window.

Kenya is scheduled to take on Equatorial Guinea on November 14 and Senegal on November 18, with both matches set to be played in Antalya, Turkey.

However, when head coach Benni McCarthy unveiled his traveling squad, the absence of Michael Olunga caught many off guard. Fans immediately questioned why a fully fit captain, who has consistently led the team, was not included.

Olunga’s omission drew even more attention because he is currently chasing a major national record. The striker has scored 34 goals for Kenya and needs just one more to equal the legendary William “Chege” Ouma’s longstanding tally of 35. Many supporters felt these friendly matches offered the perfect chance for him to tie or break that record.

Michael Olunga Deserves to Be in the Squad

Dennis Oliech, who retired from international duty in 2016 as Kenya’s second-highest scorer with 34 goals, argued that Olunga should remain a central figure in the team unless he chooses to step away on his own terms.

“Olunga should be part of the Harambee Stars squad,” Oliech told Flash Score.
“No coach should drop him because he is the leader of the team and Kenya’s most reliable striker.”

He added that only Olunga himself should decide when it is time to stop representing the country. “Unless Olunga comes out and says, ‘I have retired,’ only then should he be left out. His presence alone inspires the young players coming into the team.”

Oliech, who enjoyed a successful club career including spells with Nantes and AJ Auxerre in France, also questioned the lack of veteran players in the squad that left for Turkey.

“It is unfortunate for Kenya to head into these friendlies without experienced players,” he said. “Young players will feel the pressure when they’re expected to perform without senior teammates guiding them.”

According to Oliech, even if veterans do not start every match, their influence is still vital. “Experienced players don’t have to play 90 minutes. Even coming off the bench can make a huge difference. Young players need someone to learn from, and that someone is an experienced player. In my view, Olunga is still an important part of the national team and should not be overlooked.”

Oliech concluded by insisting that Olunga should continue leading the line in the coming years. “For the next two or three years, Olunga deserves to play for Kenya. Only when he says, ‘I can’t do it anymore,’ should we accept his retirement.”

These friendly matches follow Kenya’s recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the team edged Burundi 1-0 before falling 3-0 to African champions Ivory Coast.