Latest news with #Olunga
Qatar Tribune
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Arabi acquire Olunga from Al Duhail
Al Arabi have acquired Kenyan striker Michael Olunga on a two-year contract, marking the centerpiece of an aggressive Qatar Stars League summer transfer window. The 31-year-old joins as a free agent after his contract with Al Duhail expired. Olunga has scored 130 goals for Duhail and won five titles in four seasons. He is joined by new signings Pablo Sarabia, a Spanish forward, and goalkeeper Youssef Hassan. Al Arabi is also bolstering its squad by bringing back young talents Al Hashemi Al Hussein and Salem Reda from loan spells in Spain. To prepare for the upcoming season, the team will travel to Valencia, Spain, for a pre-season camp under coach Pablo Amo from July 15 to August 3.
The South African
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Amakhosi to lose out on 200-goal striker?
Kaizer Chiefs could lose out on top African striker Michael Olunga, who has netted 130 goals in Qatar in the past four years. The 31-year-old was previously linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, but reports suggest he is close to joining a club in the United Arab Emirates. The Kenyan international has been linked with a move to the Glamour Boys since the previous transfer window. Amakhosi instead signed former SuperSport United striker Tashreeq Morris in January. The Kenyan striker is now a free agent having left Qatari giants Al Duhail but it looks like he won't be joining Kaizer Chiefs. He is reportedly on the brink of joining Emirati side Al-Nasr. Kenya's Michael Olunga became Al Duhail's all-time top scorer with 130 goals, having joined them four and a half years ago. He has scored over 200 goals in his professional career. 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 joined the Qatari side from Japan's Kashiwa Reysol in January 2021 and hit the ground running. During his time in Qatar, he attracted several teams, including Kaizer Chiefs however, the Kenyan striker remained with the Qatari team until 2025. 'I spent four amazing years with the club, filled with tremendous support and love both on and off the pitch,' Olunga 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.' 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
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs' long-time target hijacked by Al-Nasr
Kaizer Chiefs look set to lose out on Kenyan goal machine Michael Olunga, who is on the verge of sealing a move to United Arab Emirates club Al-Nasr. Despite being linked to the Glamour Boys since the previous transfer window, the 31-year-old now appears destined for Middle Eastern football. According to reports from Twaslnews , Olunga is expected to put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Emirati outfit. After parting ways with Qatari side Al Duhail at the end of his contract. Amakhosi's search for a proven striker has dragged onsince Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi took the reins ahead of the 2024/2025 campaign. Michael Olunga, along with Congolese star Fiston Mayele of Pyramids FC, featured prominently on Chiefs' radar. But yet again, no deal materialised. However, they now look set to land Nigerian Etiosa Ighodaro. 'Chiefs were keen,' a source told Twaslnews , highlighting the South African club's ongoing striker woes. However, with Al-Nasr now swooping in, the Soweto giants are set to miss out on yet another marquee name. Before departing Al Duhail, Olunga enjoyed a standout season in the Qatar Stars League. By netting 12 goals and registering two assists in just 19 league appearances. His consistency in front of goal has made him one of Africa's most sought-after forwards. Now, with a lucrative deal in the pipeline, the Harambee Stars frontman looks poised to continue his career in the UAE. Leaving Kaizer Chiefs to intensify their hunt for a new foreign number nine. Is this a huge loss for Kaizer Chiefs or are there better forwards out there? 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.
CAF
03-06-2025
- 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.
