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In an exclusive interview, Kenya’s professional footballer Michael Ogada Olunga, 22, who plays for Swedish soccer team Djurgårdens opens up to CAROLINE NYANGA about his latest move.
Generation Next: How did you land the opportunity to join Djurgårdens? Michael Olunga: I credit Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama who sent my clips to his agent abroad who in turn got me the deal in Sweden. All said and done, however, it all boils down to my hard work and determination.
As a player with Gor Mahia previously, I approached every game like a final with no room for laziness let alone defeat. I had a huge responsibility to my fans, team mates, technical bench, as well as the office who looked up to me. This motivated me to work harder.
GN: How are you coping in Europe? MO: This is my first time residing in Europe and I have to admit that adapting to the cold weather, diet, and culture takes a while. Nevertheless, I am already enjoying my stay here.
GN: How would you compare the Swedish football to that of Kenya? MO: Unlike Kenya, Swedish football is more competitive with quality players and advanced structures including stadia. The football fans are also more intense and the players are of course paid better wages.
GN: How did nurture your talent? MO: I began playing football at the age of ten at Babadogo Primary school. It was not until I joined Aquinas High School and later Upper Hill High school, however, that my passion for the game blossomed. I was the captain for Liberty Academy during which we emerged unbeaten in 2012. I was also the top scorer with 36 goals. My career has been on the rise since.
I joined Tusker and competed with top strikers like Ishamel Dunga, Jesse Were, Andrew Murunga, and John Kamau building my confidence. As for Gor Mahia everyone knows the story.
GN: Were your parents supportive of your passion? MO: I was raised by a single mother who emphasised on education. With time she became supportive having realised that is where my talent lay.
GN: Let us in on your family background? MO: I am the last born in a family of six raised by a single mother after my father passed on in 2002. My siblings and I were brought up in estates like Lucky Summer where poverty and hardship was the order of the day. Despite the challenges I was determined to make the best out of life.
GN: You were a Kenya Polytechnic student before moving to Sweden. Did you give up school? MO: I strive to be positive in whatever I do in order to make a mark. With two hours of playing in a day I still have 22 hours left to go about my studies among other things.
GN: Who is Michael Olunga off the pitch? MO: I am a humble, God fearing, and social person who enjoys playing PlayStation game consoles at my free times besides reading novels and visiting friends.
GN: Who is your role model? MO: Robin Van Persie – the talented left footed striker who knows and understands what good and serious football entails as far as ball handling, positioning, and finishing goes. Victor Wanyama too has taught me that nothing comes on a silver platter. GN: Are you dating? MO: No. I am currently concentrating on my career.
GN: Your advice to aspiring footballers? MO: They have to learn to sacrifice and fight in order to achieve theirs dream because nothing comes easy. In football, talent and elegance mean nothing without vigour and precision.
