Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has added another feather to his cap by helping his team Al-Duhail clinch the 2022/23 Qatar Stars League title, while also securing the season’s Golden Boot.
This success has increased his chances of winning the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Best Player of the Year Award.
Olunga is up against Akram Afifa, the winner of the previous year from Al Sadd, and Youssef Msakni from Al Arabi.
However, Olunga proved himself as a strong contender for the Best Player of the Year Award with an exceptional performance on Monday night.
He scored four goals, leading Al-Duhail to a 5-2 triumph over Al-Shamal at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Since joining Qatar in January 2021, Olunga has had a string of successes, including winning this season’s Qatar Cup and Amir Cup (Ooredoo Cup).
Adding to his achievements, Olunga lifted the Qatar Stars League trophy after a remarkable performance this season, scoring 22 goals and contributing three assists, earning him the golden boot award.
Additionally, Olunga was the top scorer in the Ooredoo Cup, with seven goals.
While Olunga was last season’s Qatar Stars League top scorer with 24 goals, Afif who had 14 goals beat him to the Best Player of the Year Award.
This season, Afif scored 10 goals and assisted four times, while Msakni scored 13 goals and assisted five times.
On Saturday, the winner of the Best Player of the Year Award, as well as the awards for Best Player Under-23 and Coach of the Year, where Al Duhail coach Hernan Crespo has been nominated, will be announced.
If Olunga wins the Best Player award, it will be his second accolade in an Asian country, after he was named J1 League Best Player and top scorer in 2020 while playing for Kashiwa Reysol.
Olunga’s four-goal haul in the crucial match against Al-Shamal was significant for his team since only a win guaranteed them the title.
A loss or a draw against Al-Shamal would have given Al-Arabi the title, thanks to their victory over Al-Sadd.
However, the victory secured the title for Al-Duhail, who topped the 12-team Qatar Stars League with 51 points from 22 matches, two points above their closest title challenger Al-Arabi.
