Harambee Stars Midfielder William Lenkupae on Handling Criticism and Life in Finland

Harambee Stars midfielder William Lenkupae has opened up on how he deals with criticism for his performances both at club and international level.

The Australian born midfielder, whose father is Kenyan, made his debut for Harambee Stars in March 2023, finding the back of the net during the clash against Gambia in Ivory Coast which resulted in a 3-3 draw. 

Since then, he has gone on to play four more times for the country, but has been fairly inconsistent during that time, even missing a couple of sitters against Chad in Morocco last June.

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As a result, his performances have polarised opinion among interested parties. Speaking to the media from the Kasarani Stadium before the game, Lenkupae explained how he is able to deal with the backlash he receives from critics for his inconsistent performances.

Speaking from Kasarani Stadium, Lenkupae explained how he personally handles scrutiny over his performances. He described himself as his own harshest critic, acknowledging that he is fully aware when his performances fall short and when they meet expectations. 

He emphasized that while feedback from coaches and teammates is valuable, self-awareness is crucial for professional growth.

Lenkupae highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people: family, friends, and teammates provide stability, while a strong coaching staff helps players navigate the highs and lows of the game. 

For him, mistakes are inevitable, but the key is learning from them and consistently moving forward.

"Football comes with ups and downs. Some games will go your way, and others won’t. The important part is taking responsibility, learning from setbacks, and keeping the momentum moving forward," he said.

At club level, Lenkupae recently signed with Vaasan Palloseura in Finland after leaving Central Coast Mariners on a free transfer. In just six appearances, he has already begun to adapt to the challenges of playing abroad.

He described Finnish football as highly physical, with every contest fiercely fought. In contrast, Australian football emphasizes tactical awareness, but both styles have their merits. 

Adapting to a new culture, language, and football philosophy required quick learning, which Lenkupae believes he has handled well.

"Playing in Finland has been a big adjustment, both on and off the pitch. The game here is more physical and demands constant effort, but it has taught me to be resilient and focused. I approach every session determined to improve and show that I belong," he noted.

Looking forward, Lenkupae said consistent game time, preparation, and performing at his best are essential to shaping his career. He hopes to continue proving himself to both his club and national team, aiming to cement his role in Harambee Stars while thriving in Finland.

"I want to keep developing, learning from each match, and showing that I can contribute at both club and international level. That’s what drives me every day," he concluded.