Latest news with #MichaelOlunga
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya striker Olunga bids farewell to Al Duhail as club's all-time top scorer
Kenya's Michael Olunga has officially left Qatari giants Al Duhail, bringing an end to a remarkable four-and-a-half-year spell that saw him become the club's all-time top scorer with 130 goals. Al Duhail confirmed the striker's departure in a heartfelt statement posted on their official website, praising Olunga's professionalism, discipline, and immense contribution to the club's recent successes. 'Olunga was an example of professionalism and discipline on and off the field, and contributed significantly to the club's numerous achievements and championships,' the club said. 'He left a clear mark on the club's history through his decisive goals and contributions to the first football team.' Olunga, 31, joined the Qatari side from Japan's Kashiwa Reysol in January 2021 and hit the ground running. On his debut for Al Duhail, he scored in a 7-1 demolition of Al Wakrah at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. From that moment, his goal-scoring instincts and leadership made him the heartbeat of the team's attack. Reflecting on his departure, Olunga expressed pride in what he achieved during his time in Doha. 'I spent four amazing years with the club, filled with tremendous support and love both on and off the pitch,' he said. 'I'm happy to have played for this great club; joining a club of Al Duhail's stature was a huge step for me.' He continued: 'Today I announce my departure from the club with my head held high and I am moving forward in search of a new future. I truly gave my utmost effort to this great club and achieved many accomplishments.' Olunga's legacy at Al Duhail is cemented not just in numbers, but in moments—decisive goals, crucial titles, and a string of standout performances in both domestic and continental competitions. 'I remember my first goal for the team versus Al Rayyan. On my last day at the club, I feel emotional, but I leave satisfied. I'll miss the fans, my teammates, and the magnificent Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium,' Olunga added. The Nairobi-born striker also left the door open for a possible return, hinting that he could one day rejoin Al Duhail in another capacity. 'Perhaps I'll return one day as a player, coach, or official. I will continue to support Al Duhail and hope they become the best team in Asia.' Under Olunga's leadership, Al Duhail clinched multiple trophies including Qatar Stars League titles and cup competitions. His consistency in front of goal and calm demeanor off the pitch earned him the admiration of fans, teammates, and club officials alike. Al Duhail's final message summed up the emotions surrounding his departure: 'Thank you, Olunga… you will always remain an integral part of the Al Duhail family.' As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, speculation will mount over where the prolific forward will land next. But what is clear is that Michael Olunga leaves Al Duhail not just as a footballer, but as a club legend.
The South African
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs target reaches 14 goals
Will Kaizer Chiefs manage to scoop this Kenyan goal machine? Michael Olunga can't stop delivering the goods for Al-Duhail in Qatar. As reported across local media in recent weeks, Amakhosi are keen on signing Olunga in the upcoming June-July transfer window. In the meantime, Olunga grabbed his 14th goal of the season in 24 appearances to inspire Kaizer Chiefs further. Al Duhail drew 2-2 against Al Rayyan in the Emir Cup before losing 5-3 on penalty kicks. Al Khor 1-0 in the Qatar Stars League last Saturday. The 30-year-old center forward found the winner after 68 minutes. In the meantime, Kaizer Chiefs are also linked with Pyramids FC's Congolese striker Fiston Mayele and Muzomuhle Khanyi at Hungry Lions in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs to replace two players
Kaizer Chiefs will take on Sekhukhune United without two key players. According to the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Amakhosi will be on the road this coming weekend. The Glamour Boys will face Sekhukhune United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Kick off will be at 15:00. Additionally, the PSL has also confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs left-back Bradley Cross will miss the game due to a red card, while Iniaco Miguel will be out after earning a fourth yellow card in the Nedbank Cup final. Kaizer Chiefs are unlikely to secure Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele. There is an alternative. The name is Michael Olunga at Al-Duhail in Qatar. 'They are looking at different options and Michael (Olunga) is back on Chiefs' radar,' an insider told Soccer Laduma. 'They are not giving up on him. 'The thing is they will be playing in Africa next season and they are believed to be looking at experienced strikers who could win them games at that level and Olunga is one of them and that's why they are not giving up on him. 'It seems there are few challenges with getting Mayele on board. A second insider at Kaizer Chiefs added: 'It's believed that Pyramids are already planning on extending his contract and then there is interest from other Egyptian teams which makes it hard for the club to meet the asking price. Apparently, as much as they still want him, they are looking at other alternatives, and Michael Olunga is on top of that list of strikers if they can't get Mayele,' the source concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Qatar Tribune
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Olunga brace in Al Duhail's win over spirited Sailiya; Al Rayyan rally to overcome challenging Lusail 4-2
Tribune News Network Doha Al Duhail battled past a challenging Al Sailiya, while Al Rayyan rallied to get the better of a spirited young Lusail side in their respective games by a similar scoreline of 4-2 to make it to the quarter-finals of the Amir Cup 2025 football tournament on Monday. In the first Round of 16 clash of the day at the Khalifa International Stadium, Al Duhail were driven home with a brace from Kenyan striker Michael Olunga against Al Sailiya. Benjamin Bourigeaud (26th minute - penalty), Karim Boudiaf (30th minute), and Olunga (37th & 42nd minute) scored for the Red Knights while both goals for Al Saliya came from Mohamed Benyettou (58th & 79th minute- penalty). After Al Duhail were denied by the right goal post early in the 5th minute when an Almoez Ali kick hit the bottom, the Red Knights however a while later won a penalty and Bourigeaud made no mistake from the spot to open his team's goal-scoring account. The second goal, by Boudiaf was a beauty as the strong player struck from just outside the box beating defenders to find an empty net in the left corner. The combine of Almoez and Olunga worked efficiently as the former sent across a fine cross and Olunga made a fine header to take Al Duhail to 3-0. Olunga was back in the act five minutes later as he connected a superb cross from Homam Elamin as Al Duhail went into the break at 4-0. Al Sailiya tried to make a comeback in the second session as Benyettou first connect a superb lob from the right to volley it into the goal and later scored from the spot. A few minutes prior to that, Al Duhail's Ibrahima Bamba tried to flick one over Al Sailiya goalkeeper Nabil Ouennas' head but the custodian leapt high to push the ball away. The clash under lights at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium between Al Rayyan and Lusail was a thriller for fans as a young Lusail team challenged the Lions' might and led 2-1 at half time. Al Rayyan had a roaring start as Mohamed Surag shocked the rivals in the very 2nd minute of the match as he sent in a lob from almost 20 yards outside left of the box to beat an already advanced Lusail goalkeeper. But Lusail hit back through Balla Sangare, who struck in the 11th minute off a penalty strike and much to the delight of the fans, and later returned in the 19th minute to score a brilliant goal on pivot as he chested a pass and then turned about while holding off a defender. His left-footer found the top of the right post before slamming in. In the 36th minute, Al Duhail's Abdelaziz Hatim broke in to strike but he was ruled off side. Al Duhail found the equalizer in the 53rd minute of the match as Roger Guedes slotted one into the left corner. In the 67th min Al Rayyan substituted their star player Rodrigo Tabata, who also went on to become the oldest player to take the field in Amir Cup at age 44 years, 5 months and 16 days. The Lions' overtook the rivals in the 79th minute as Julian De Sart latched on to a ball after it was punched away and far by the Lusail goalkeeper to send it back into the net from outside the box. The fourth and final goal of the match for Al Rayyan was produced by Adam Bareiro in the stoppage time (90+1) as he picked on a pass and while being unmarked in the danger zone to strike. Al Sadd to meet Al Kharaitiyat On Tuesday, Al Sadd will play Al Kharaitiyat at the Al Thumama Stadium while Al Gharafa will meet Al Khor at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez, said, 'We've had a great season, but our motivation remains high. Our players are ready, and we must give our best to advance. Al Sadd are the reigning champions and we aim to prove we can win it again. We must give our best against Al Kharaitiyat to achieve victory and qualify for the quarter-finals.' Al Kharaitiyat coach Rachid Tiberkanine, said, 'Facing Al Sadd is a special and difficult challenge. Despite recent setbacks, our players are eager to perform and show their quality. This match is a great opportunity to prove we deserved promotion and I hope the team enjoys it and delivers a result we can be proud of.' On meeting Al Khor, Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said, 'The Amir Cup is a fresh opportunity for us. After finishing third in the league, we're determined to compete for the title. The players are focused, motivated, and optimistic. It's been years since Al Gharafa lifted a trophy. We're ready to change that, starting with our first match.' Al Khor coach Salam Shaker said his team was ready for the fight. 'The Amir Cup is important for every team, and we're ready to give our all against Al Gharafa. It's a tough match, but I believe in our players and their potential. Despite a difficult league season, we'll fight to prove ourselves and aim for a strong performance.'
The South African
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs hot rumours: Goal-machine Olunga, Mdu's dirty secret, Mailula?
Today's Kaizer Chiefs rumours include the goal-machine Michael Olunga, a move for Cassius Mailua and Mdu's secret. Cassius Mailula, now 23 years old and playing on loan with Wydad AC from USA MLS side Toronto FC, could be returning to SA. The former Sundowns man has three goals and six assists in 24 Moroccan Botola Pro League outings this term. For Toronto FC, where he's still on the books, Mailula only managed two goals in eight appearances before being shipped out. Mdu Shabalala has a history with Orlando Pirates 21-year-old Amakhosi attacker Mduduzi Shabalala revealed he grew up supporting Orlando Pirates but says now he will 'die a Chiefs fan'. The young attacker has become a key operator Chiefs in the 2024-2025 campaign, appearing 25 times in the league, with four goals and an assist. Click for the story Kenyan legend Michael Olunga can't stop hitting the back of the net, he's now got 13 strikes from 22 outings this term. Click for more from Seko Gwegwe Meanwhile, Amakhosi are still hoping to secure an MTN8 place by virtue of league position. Also, they face Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final. Here are the details: Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Sat, 03 May, 15:00 Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates: Sat, 10 May, 15:00 Sekhukhune vs Chiefs: Sat, 17 May, 15:00 Chiefs vs Polokwane: Sat, 24 May, 15:00. Latest Amakhosi injury news Latest Amakhosi transfer rumours Will Kaizer Chiefs qualify for next season's MTN8? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
