Inspired Michael Olunga sets eye on replicating Golden Boot feat in Qatar

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has revealed that he is working to replicate his last season heroics in front of goal that saw him crowned the 2021/2022 Qatar Stars League (QSL) top scorer in what was his first full season with Qatari top flight club Al Duhail.

Olunga, who joined the team in the January transfer window of 2020-2021 season, won the Mansour Muftah Award for the Top Scorer after netting 24 goals that helped the Red Knights to the runners-up position in the league behind champions Al Sadd.

Olunga bags first hat trick of season in Al Duhail emphatic win

Prior to that, Olunga, who was also the top scorer in the 2021 AFC Champions League with nine goals despite Al Duhail exiting the tournament in group stage, was the Japanese J-League top scorer (28 goals) in 2020 with Kashiwa Reysol.

Having bagged a hat trick in his last league outing against Qatar, the Kenyan marksman now intends to slowly build into the current campaign with a focus on replicating a consistent performance.

“I have to try and work hard in each and every game. When you compete with teams at the highest level, it is important to maintain consistency to become a better player and I would like to replicate the feat. At the same time, I will only be happy with my performance if it helps Al Duhail achieve a top position in the new season,” the player is quoted as saying on the official QSL portal.

Additionally, with Al Duhail having played second fiddle to Al Sadd for the past two seasons, the former Gor Mahia striker is hoping hi good form in front of goal would have a ripple effect on the team’s overall success.

“My primary target is to help Al Duhail compete at the highest level in all competitions. Of course, team game is more important. We have many tournaments, including the AFC Champions League. I aim to go as further as I can with the team. Individually, I want to help Al Duhail by scoring a lot of goals and hopefully I can be a part of Al Duhail’s success story this season,” he stated.

As things stand, Olunga who has already netted five goals in the opening six games sits third on the top scorers list, one behind current top scorer Dala Gelson.