Kenyan international and former Gor Mahia lanky striker Michael Olunga Ogada has finally completed a move to Sweden top league side IF Djurgarden after about a month long trials.

The four year contract he inked will keep him with the Per Olsson’s side while he continues with his studies at Stockholm University.

“Michael (Olunga) was a player that we followed in early autumn, and he had the qualities we were looking for. After a long process and dialogue as he came to the final here in January and has been in the business since, it’s where he slowly acclimated and developed,” Djurgarden Sporting Director Bosse Andersson told the club’s website.

“He is very ambitious and purposeful, trains hard and always wants to learn and take the next step. Then I think he made a fantastic impression as a person both on and off the pitch.

“The development potential is huge so the peace and quiet of our Djurgården environment he can develop into a striker for the biggest leagues in Europe. It is the goal of Michael himself and he has the characteristics required for it.” Andersson added.

Speaking on the move Olunga said, “There will be a lot of attention at home in Kenya on this and I’m very happy that it’s done with Djurgarden now. The association has received me in a great way and I want to say a big thanks to Bosse (Andersson), Henry (Berggren), Daniel (Granqvist) and coaches Pelle Olsson for their support,”

“Obviously, even the players, who received me in a nice way. It has been a challenge for me but it feels very good now,”

“It tends to be that when I come to a new team. In the beginning, I have to bring order to their feet and get going, but once I got started the scoring tends to roll on the good. Then it was the target of Tele2 Arena special for me,” Olunga added.
He talked highly of the superb organization at the club and the world class facilities they have.

“Now I have only played friendlies but it feels like a good level. Everything is very well organized and the quality of the stadium and training camp has been very good. It feels like it’s a good springboard to the big European leagues for many players in the Allsvenskan.”

Olunga was a geospatial engineering student at Technical University of Kenya (TUK), a course he would like to complete while at Djurgarden.

“We have also agreed that I will continue with my studies at the University of Stockholm so just as before it will be both football and studies and I am committed to do well with both.”

Olunga remains a huge inspiration to many youths, who look up to him in their quest to make it in football and also in studies. The news was received with a lot of excitement back in Kenya – just to sample some comments;

“That move will make way for other Kenyan footballers.” Yoseh Mbuyu.

“You kept mentioning God in almost all your statements and finally here you are! God will always lift you Mr.” Martin Owuor.

“Ooh nice. I love it when talent brings big opportunities. Go! Go! Go! Olunga.” Boaz Songok.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com