Michael Olunga joins Qatari champions Al Duhail SC

Leaked photo from Instagram account qsl_newss showing the unveiling of Kenyan international striker Michael Olunga at Al Duhail [Photo: Qatar Football Live - Twitter]

Kenyan international Michael Olunga has joined Qatari-based side Al Duhail from Japanese J-League 1 outfit Kashiwa Reysol.

A leaked photo from Qatar outlet QSL_Newss, shows Olunga posing donning an Al Duhail jersey and scarf, with reports the club will make an announcement on Olunga in the coming days.

Olunga, handed the number 26 jersey, made his debut against Xavi-managed Al-Sadd on Tuesday, January 12.

Leaked photo from Instagram account qsl_newss showing the unveiling of Kenyan international striker Michael Olunga at Al Duhail

Reports say he could play against Al Sadd tomorrow ???? ????

Waiting for an announcement from the club.. pic.twitter.com/RNNOu6bmNc — Qatar Football Live (@QFootLive) January 11, 2021

Kashiwa Reysol are reported to have accepted a bid of about seven million Euros (Approximately Sh933 million) from Duhail for 26-year-old Olunga, who finished J-League top-scorer with 28 goals in 32 appearances, earning a historic golden boot, the first ever to be won by an African.

In September last year, Olunga was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). This after he netted 15 goals in 15 games, propelling the club to fifth position on the table standings.

Al Duhail are seven-time Qatar champions and are currently coached by Frenchman Sabri Lamouchi. They were champions in the seasons 2010–11, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18 and 2019–20).

Al Duhail have also won the Qatar Cup three times (2013, 2015 and 2018).

Olunga, who was reported to have extended his contract with Kashiwa Reysol a month ago earned legendary status in Japan following a prolific goal-scoring season.

Olunga receiving the 2020 J league golden boot award [Michael Olunga - Twitter]

Two months ago, Olunga finally got his Twitter handle verified following pressure from Kenyans on Twitter (KOT) under the hashtag #VerifyOlunga.

Olunga had previously pleaded with Twitter to verify him, an issue which, to fans, seemed to take too long. He is among the most-followed Kenyan sportsmen on social media, averaging over 540,000 followers on Facebook and over 60,000 on Twitter.