Born in March 1994, Kenyan Striker Michael Olunga has been making headlines across the world after becoming the first Kenyan footballer to score a hat-trick in Laliga.
Kenyans from all walks of life have been lauding the striker for his extraordinary perform at Girona FC.
The towering striker who made a deadline day switch from Chinese Super League club Guizhou Zhicheng -on loan- and introduced in the final 10 minutes at Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, become the second Kenyan player to feature in La Liga after McDonald Mariga Wanyama.
Being the man of the Moment, I have complied a few facts about Olunga that you need to know.
Girona FC
Olunga made a deadline day switch from Chinese Super League club Guizhou Zhicheng to join Girona FC on loan.
After joining the Spanish Club, he became the first striker in the Club to score a hat-trick, aiding his Team to secure victory.
Kenyans from all walks of life led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA Leader Raila Odinga, took to social media to congratulate the Kenya boy for aiding his club Girona FC secure victory in the Spanish top league.
African Player of the Year Awards.
Olunga set a new record in his football career after being nominated in the 2017, African Player of the Year Awards.
The National Team forward was among 30 Nominees for African Payer of the Year. The award was scooped by Egypt player Mohammed Salah.
Engineering Student
Having scored an impressive A- in his KCSE examinations, Olunga was admitted to TUK’s Geospatial Engineering degree program.
“I take my education very seriously and even though my football career is a priority, I hardly skip classes for any reason,” Olunga stateded in a past Interview
His close friends at TUK reveal the ‘Engineer’ only used to miss classes during Gor’s morning training sessions and even then he would make follow-ups to find out what he missed and to copy notes.
Olunga says he is looking to continue his studies abroad and is currently awaiting a personal number before he can enroll for a University in Spain.
Upbringing
Olunga was born in 1994 and raised in a humble household in Lakisama estate in Nairobi. He started his education at Babadogo Primary school where from as early as age 8 he would play football with his fellow pupils, he later joined Upper Hill secondary school where his football skills were noticed by the football coach who immediately recruited him into the school team.
Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng FC,
In April 2017, “Engineer’’ Olunga was unveiled by his new club Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng FC, who play in the Chinese Super league.
The Kenyan forward was acquired from Swedish side Djurgardens IF, for a record fee of € 4.2 million in January 2017.
He confirmed the news through his official Facebook page, expressing his eagerness to play.
"Happy to be presented at my club Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng FC. Clock ticking, stage has been set, its’ now time to deliver. I pray to the Lord for HIS protection, guidance and goodness,’’ he posted.
Top Striker
In 2015 while playing for Gor Mahia Olunga, was awarded the CECAFA Kagame Cup Golden Boot after scoring five goals in the tournament. Olunga beat his closest rivals; Kipre Tchetche from Azam and Al Kharyoum's Osman Bilal both who have four goals apiece in a tournament.
Girlfriend
Despite his ability in the field, Olunga had managed to keep his relationship under the carpet for a very long time.
Recently through his social media accounts, Olunga broke the hearts of many single ladies who had an eye for him after he introduced his beautiful girlfriend to the world.
Gor Mahia
Olunga began his football career with the Liberty Sports Academy in the Nairobi County League. He scored 32 goals for the side during the 2012 season, helping them finish the season unbeaten and earn promotion to the Nairobi Provincial League.
He hit the headline once when he scored seven goals in a single match helping his team to a 8-0 win. Olunga signed for Premier League side Tusker on a one-year loan deal from Liberty on 19 December 2012.
After finishing the 2013 season with two goals for Tusker, Olunga was loaned to fellow Premier League side Thika United for another year, before joining Gor Mahia ahead of the 2015 season.