Olunga has cemented iconic status for Qatari Star League side Al Duhail, but he has explained the reason behind the country’s football growth after winning back-to-back Asian Cup titles and hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga has shed light on the rapid growth of football in Qatar and across Asia, attributing his decision to remain in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) to the country’s significant investments in infrastructure and development.
Qatar has made remarkable strides in football, successfully defending their AFC Asian Cup crown in 2024 after their 2019 triumph and hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
These achievements have elevated the nation’s footballing profile, attracting top talent such as Philippe Coutinho, who partnered with Olunga at Al Duhail last season.
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Olunga has etched his name into QSL history, becoming Al Duhail’s all-time leading scorer with 121 goals. His record-breaking feat came during Al Duhail’s 6-2 rout of Al Shamal, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s deadliest strikers.
Since joining Al Duhail in January 2021, Olunga has won back-to-back Golden Boots and led the team to the league title in the 2022-2023 season. The Kenyan star continues to spearhead Al Duhail’s charge in the current campaign, further enhancing his legendary status.
Olunga’s illustrious career began in Kenya, where he honed his craft at Tusker FC and Gor Mahia before venturing abroad. His journey across Sweden, China, and Japan showcased his adaptability and goal-scoring prowess.
Notably, he clinched the Golden Boot in Japan’s J1 League in 2020, scoring 28 goals in 32 matches for Kashiwa Reysol.
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His move to Qatar marked another successful chapter in a career that spans three continents. In his first full season with Al Duhail, Olunga netted 24 goals, earning the Mansour Muftah Award. The following season, his 22 goals powered the team to a league championship.
Speaking about Qatar’s football revolution, Olunga praised the country’s efforts to elevate the game.
“It is not luck; they have really invested a lot in terms of football infrastructure, which is key for the development of the game. Without that, you cannot attract good players,” Olunga said on The Asian Game.
He emphasized the importance of blending top-tier international talent with local player development, a strategy that has transformed the region’s football.
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“If you attract good players, you will have an opportunity to equally mentor good young players, which has been a challenge in the past. Now, countries like Jordan, Iraq, and Iran are competing quite well. I give kudos to the Qatari government and football federation for their efforts in growing the game,” he added.
Olunga highlighted the need for Qatari players to gain exposure to international competitions to enhance their performance.
“The QSL is one of the top leagues in Asia, but for the national team to grow, players need exposure to play week in, week out under pressure, similar to the European game and Champions League,” Olunga noted.
As a key figure for both club and country, Olunga embraces the responsibility of leading by example.
“When you’re a leader and a key player, you have to accept that responsibility and can’t shy away from it. Maybe we won’t achieve everything ourselves, but the footsteps we leave will illuminate the path for others to follow. It’s a long journey, but I’m confident the national team is headed in the right direction,” he affirmed.
