Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has heaped praise on national team captain Michael Olunga, commending the veteran striker’s unwavering dedication, work ethic, and leadership following his crucial goal in Kenya’s hard-fought 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier draw against South Africa.

Speaking after the Friday, November 13, 2026, clash in Soweto, Johannesburg, McCarthy lauded the Al Arabi forward for continually sacrificing personal rest during international breaks to represent his country and inspire younger teammates.

‘Trains the same way he plays’

“At his age, you would think he needs to rest and not subject himself to flying and all this. When it is an international break, you could have a week off for family to enjoy, but when he comes, what he gives you training and how he pushes himself; he is dedicated and seeks to leave a legacy for his country. He comes, pushes himself, and trains. He comes and gives 100 percent—the way he trains is how he plays,” McCarthy said.

The gaffer’s glowing tribute comes on the back of a milestone outing for the decorated skipper, who netted his 35th international goal to spark Kenya’s comeback against Bafana Bafana.

Having fallen behind early at the FNB Stadium, Olunga calmly converted a first-half equaliser from the penalty spot to level matters, before forward Ryan Ogam snatched a dramatic late goal to secure a vital away draw that kept Kenya third in Group D.

Exemplary “Mica’

Beyond his clinical finishing on the pitch, McCarthy noted that Olunga’s professionalism in camp has made his job as a tactician significantly easier, setting a clear benchmark for the rest of the squad to emulate.

“When you have a captain that does that, it becomes easier to convince others. You have a person to point at for others, and it is the example you want to follow if you are to reach the heights in one’s career,” the South African tactician added.

McCarthy and his charges will now turn their focus to the decisive return leg against South Africa, scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where Harambee Stars will look to build on their Soweto resilience in front of home fans.