Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga Receives Warm Welcome After Finding New Home in Qatar

Kenyan international and Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has officially joined Al Arabi Sports Club on a two-year contract, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career following his departure from Al Duhail SC.

The announcement was confirmed by Al Arabi SC on Wednesday, capping off weeks of speculation surrounding the striker's next destination.

Olunga arrives as a free agent after the expiration of his contract with Al Duhail over a month ago, verifying a report by Pulse Sports two weeks ago that explained the towering striker was on the verge of a move to the Qatari giants.

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Olunga leaves Al Duhail as a club legend. Over four seasons, the 31-year-old forward established himself as the club’s all-time leading scorer, netting 130 goals in all competitions. 

He claimed back-to-back Golden Boot awards in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Qatar Stars League seasons, and played a key role in securing the league title in 2023. His contributions were also vital in Al Duhail’s historic AFC Champions League semi-final run, the club's best-ever showing.

By joining Al Arabi SC, Olunga follows in the footsteps of fellow Kenyan great Dennis Oliech, who scored 27 goals in 47 appearances for the club between 2005 and 2007.

Olunga's journey has taken him across the globe. Starting at Tusker FC and Gor Mahia in Kenya, he moved to Europe with Swedish side IF Djurgården in 2016, where he scored 12 goals in his debut season.

A €3.4 million transfer to China’s Guizhou Hengfeng followed, but a loan move to Girona FC in LaLiga during the 2017/18 season made headlines. There, Olunga became the first Kenyan and first Girona player to score a LaLiga hat-trick, with a stunning treble against Las Palmas.

His rising stock led to a €2.84 million move to Kashiwa Reysol in Japan, where he enjoyed a prolific run — bagging 61 goals, winning the J1 League MVP, and finishing as the league’s top scorer.

In 2021, Olunga made a record €6 million transfer to Al Duhail, where he became a household name in Qatari football.

Now at Al Arabi, Olunga begins a new chapter with high expectations, and with the experience and firepower to deliver on the biggest stage once again.