Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has left the door open for a possible return to Qatari club Al Duhail after announcing his surprise exit this week. The prolific striker has ended a remarkable four-and-a-half-year spell with the Doha-based club, during which he became their all-time leading scorer with 130 goals and collected multiple trophies.
Since confirming his departure, Olunga has spoken openly about his gratitude towards the club and its supporters, emphasizing that his bond with Al Duhail remains strong despite moving on. He expressed deep appreciation for how well he was treated by the club’s management and fans, hinting that he hopes to contribute to the club again in the future, potentially in a different capacity.
“Leaving the team won’t stop me from always offering support,” Olunga said in a farewell message shared by the club. He praised the club’s leadership, from the president to the vice president, acknowledging the vital role they play in providing an excellent environment for the team. Olunga also wished the club continued success, expressing hope that Al Duhail will rise to become the best team in Asia.
Olunga did not rule out the possibility of returning to Al Duhail someday, whether as a player, coach, or official. “I may return to Al Duhail Club someday, regardless of the position or role I might be assigned,” he said, suggesting a lasting connection to the club that goes beyond his playing career.
Reflecting on his time with Al Duhail, Olunga admitted that saying goodbye was not easy. Since joining the club in January 2021, he enjoyed tremendous success, winning the Golden Boot award for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He also played a key role in the club’s campaign in the Asian Champions League, where they reached the semi-finals three years ago, marking one of their best achievements in recent history.
Olunga fondly recalled the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, where he scored many of his memorable goals. “I will greatly miss looking at this magnificent stadium,” he said. He also expressed how much he will miss his teammates, the technical staff, and the club’s management, underscoring the strong relationships he built over the years.
The Harambee Stars captain made special mention of the fans, thanking them for their constant encouragement and support throughout his tenure at the club. “Of course, I won’t forget the fans who always supported the team with their encouragement,” he said. He described the club as his family and extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved at Al Duhail.
As Olunga embarks on the next chapter of his career, his future destination remains unknown, but there is no doubt he will attract interest from numerous clubs given his impressive goal-scoring record and consistent performances. His departure marks the end of a golden era at Al Duhail, where he was instrumental in the club’s domestic and continental success.
While the immediate future is uncertain, Olunga’s legacy at Al Duhail is firmly established, and his open-ended farewell leaves room for a potential comeback. Whether on the pitch or off it, his connection to Al Duhail appears far from over, and fans will be watching closely to see where his career takes him next.
