Al Duhail’s Kenyan spearhead Michael Olunga in an Exclusive Interview with Qatar Stars League website

Kenyan Michael Olunga has been spearheading Al Duhail’s attack ever since he joined the top Expo Stars League team in the January transfer window of 2020-2021 season.

Olunga made a name for himself in Qatar and won the Mansour Muftah Award for the league Top Scorer twice, in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, with 24 and 22 goals respectively.

He is again leading reigning champions Al Duhail’s charge and is currently second in the list of top scorers with six goals, behind Al Gharafa’s Yacine Brahimi (seven goals) after five rounds of league action.

Olunga spoke to Qatar Stars League website in an Exclusive Interview.

Excerpts:

How has the new season so far for you, after five rounds in the Expo Stars League?

The new season has so far been good, if not great. But of course we can do better and there’s scope for improvement. We played well, but we couldn’t reach our full potential. We’re trying to solve problems. Moving forward, we’re expecting better results.

How different is the league this season, in terms of the level of competition?

Of course, the league’s quality has improved. Lots of teams have signed quality players and the level of competition is much more intense. All teams are well-equipped, so naturally it’ll reflect on the level of Expo Stars League. I’m sure we’re going to see improvement in the level of Qatari players and, in turn, the Qatar national team will also benefit.

You’ve emerged as the top scorer in two seasons. How great a feeling WAs that?

Definitely, it’s a wonderful achievement. It’s a great feeling as a striker to be competing with other players and becoming the best scorer… It shows the desire and hunger for success. Each season presents a big responsibility when you represent a team like Al Duhail. As a player, I’ve to be up to the task. Al Duhail have given me a big opportunity and I’ll keep giving my best to them.

What’re the targets for the new season as Al Duhail are seeking to defend the league title?

Being in Al Duhail, we’ve to compete to win all trophies on offer. We’ve to get the best results week in, week out and it’s not easy. But with the group of players that we’ve and the able technical staff, we can compete at the highest level.

You’ve won many trophies in Qatar. What’ve been your best moments?

My first league goal is still vivid in my memory. Becoming the top scorer in two seasons, especially last season when I scored four goals in the last match (Al Duhail beat Al Shamal 5-2), was memorable. But winning the Amir Cup (2021-2022 season) stands out also for the prestige associated with the tournament.

Also, reaching the semifinals of 2022 AFC Champions League was one of my best moments in Qatar. We had a good run and it was a great achievement for Al Duhail to reach the last-four stage in the highest continental competition for the first time in the club’s history.

Do you think that you’re having the best time in your career at the moment?

I can’t really say that. However, I feel great now since Al Duhail have won almost all titles since I joined them and I can say that all my time here in Qatar has been fantastic. The most important thing is the feeling of the people around you.

How do you manage to stay free of injuries mostly? Do you have a specific fitness programme?

When games are there back-to-back, you really have to have a good recovery programme. You’ve to eat well, sleep well and rest well. It’s demanding when you’ve to play 90 minutes more frequently.

Finally, what’re the challenges you’ll face in the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League?

You’re competing among the 40 best clubs in Asia. The level is quite high and teams are having fantastic players in their ranks. But that’s the beauty of football. If you want to be the best, you’ve to compete with the best and emerge victorious. We’re relishing the challenge. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing is impossible in football. We’re Al Duhail, we’re a great club.