Michael Olunga. Photo; Courtesy.
By Bruce Odhiambo,
Kenyan football fans are holding their breath as one of their most beloved stars, Michael Olunga, is only four goals away from becoming Kenya’s all-time top scorer. The 25-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Duhail SC in Qatar, has been a revelation for both club and country over the years. His exceptional goal-scoring ability, athleticism, and leadership qualities have made him a key figure in Kenyan football, and his pursuit of this historic milestone is garnering attention from across the globe.
Michael Olunga’s journey to becoming a footballing sensation started in the local leagues before catching the eye of scouts at the international level. His breakthrough came when he played for the Kenyan Premier League side Gor Mahia, where his performances earned him a move to Swedish club Djurgårdens IF in 2016. Olunga’s time in Sweden was short but impactful, with his performances earning him a move to China, where he played for Guizhou Zhicheng before further stints in Japan and Qatar.
Over the years, Olunga’s consistency in front of goal has been remarkable. His powerful build, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing make him a versatile striker, capable of scoring a variety of goals. These traits have earned him admiration from coaches, teammates, and fans alike. His ability to find the back of the net has been crucial for his club teams and the national team, the Harambee Stars.
As of now, Olunga has scored a total of 32 goals for the Kenyan national team. This impressive tally has him just four goals behind the current record holder, Dennis Oliech, who has netted 35 goals for the Harambee Stars. Olunga’s consistency in international matches, especially in competitive fixtures, has put him in touching distance of breaking this long-standing record.
His performances in African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and friendly matches have solidified his place as one of the best players to ever don the national team jersey. With his goal-scoring abilities showing no sign of slowing down, it seems only a matter of time before Olunga surpasses Oliech’s record.
Becoming Kenya’s all-time top scorer is not just a personal milestone for Olunga; it represents a significant moment for Kenyan football. Oliech, who was a star for Kenya during his career, had long been seen as a symbol of Kenyan football excellence. To have Olunga poised to break that record speaks volumes about the evolution of Kenyan football and the talent that the nation has produced in recent years.
For many young Kenyan players, Olunga has become an inspiration, proving that success on the international stage is possible through hard work and dedication. His journey from local leagues to the highest levels of international football serves as a reminder that dreams of playing at top clubs and representing one’s country on the world stage are within reach.
As Olunga continues his pursuit of the record, his focus remains firmly on helping Kenya qualify for major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. Despite the personal achievement of breaking the goal-scoring record, Olunga’s ultimate aim is to elevate Kenyan football and help his team achieve international success.
Kenya has struggled in recent years to make a significant impact on the continental and global stage, but with players like Olunga leading the charge, there is renewed hope. The record-breaking moment for Olunga will likely serve as a catalyst for future generations of Kenyan footballers to aim high and push the boundaries of what is possible for the Harambee Stars.
Michael Olunga is on the verge of etching his name in history as Kenya’s all-time top scorer. His remarkable goal-scoring ability, leadership, and determination make him one of the finest talents Kenya has ever produced. As he closes in on surpassing Dennis Oliech’s record, Olunga’s achievement will resonate beyond just numbers—his legacy will inspire future generations of Kenyan footballers. Whether he reaches the milestone in his next match or further down the line, one thing is clear: Olunga has already secured his place as one of the greats of Kenyan football.
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