AFC Eskilstuna: What you need to know about Swedish club that Michael Olunga is set to buy

AFC Eskilstuna: What you need to know about Swedish club that Michael Olunga is set to buy

Festus Chuma 13:42 - 28.05.2024

Discover how Michael Olunga's investment could transform AFC Eskilstuna and nurture future football talent.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is reportedly on the verge of acquiring Swedish third-tier team AFC Eskilstuna, a move that could significantly shift the club's fortunes.

Currently facing financial turmoil, Eskilstuna owes more than SEK 500,000 (approximately Sh 6M) to the municipality and has been barred from using municipal facilities. 

This financial strain extends further as the Agency for Growth mandates the club to return SEK 3.3 million (around Sh 41M) received in pandemic support.

Amidst these challenges, the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) is prepared to inject substantial funds to clear the club’s debts, with Olunga himself contributing SEK 4 million (Sh 50M). 

Given Olunga's weekly wages of £37,500 (approximately Sh 6M) at Al Duhail the proposed investment is well within his reach.

AFC Eskilstuna's recent history has been fraught with difficulties. Originally moving from Solna to Eskilstuna before the 2017 season and undergoing a name change, the club has struggled on the pitch. 

In the 2017 season, under the management of Michael Jolley, they earned a notable victory over Malmö FF, yet their season ended in relegation from the Allsvenskan to the Superettan after they failed to secure a safe position.

The club has been unable to recover significantly since then. 

In January 2018, Nemanja Miljanović took over managerial duties following Jolley's departure, a period marked by attempts to stabilize and rebuild, yet challenges persist.

Olunga's potential ownership could bring much-needed stability and vision to AFC Eskilstuna. 

With Kenyan players like Henry Meja and Frank Odhiambo already on the roster, Olunga's involvement might not only alleviate financial burdens but also enhance the club’s appeal and competitive edge. 

This connection might also provide a pathway for young Kenyan talents to Europe through MOFA, aligning with Olunga's broader aspirations to nurture football talent from his home country.

Reports from Eskilstuna-Kuriren suggest that negotiations are in advanced stages, indicating a strong possibility of Olunga's takeover. 

The local community and AFC Eskilstuna supporters await official confirmation, hopeful that Olunga’s leadership could herald the beginning of a brighter chapter for a club with a tumultuous recent past.

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