Harambee Stars captain and Al Duhail player Michael Olunga is reportedly nearing a multi-million deal to acquire Swedish club AFC Eskilstuna, who play third-tier football, for Sh. 48 million.
The deal is reportedly being handled through Olunga’s foundation, the Michael Olunga Foundation Academy (MOFA). The striker aims to rescue the financially struggling club and create opportunities for young football talents.
According to a report by the Swedish publication Fotboll Direkt, AFC Eskilstuna has substantial debts, including over Sh. 6.4 million (SEK 500,000) owed to the municipality and another Sh. 41 million (SEK 3.3 million) owed to the Agency for Growth.
The debts stem from the short-term support the club received during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Michael Olunga Foundation has stepped in with an offer of Sh. 48 million (SEK 4 million) to clear the club from all its bad books.
Fotboll Direkt reported that Olunga viewed the acquisition as a chance to develop his academy’s players, offering them international exposure, growth, and opportunities to advance in professional football.
“Olunga’s involvement with AFC Eskilstuna is seen as an essential step for the development of his academy’s players, providing them with opportunities to gain international exposure.”
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Michael Olunga is well-acquainted with the Swedish Pro League, having previously played for Djurgardens IF on a 4-year contract, which provided him with the opportunity to develop his talent.
Olunga began playing his football in the dusty Baba Dogo grounds in Lucky Summer. He also played for Upper Hill and Liberty Academy.
He has been privileged to be mentored by some of Kenya’s finest football brains including Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, Robert Matano and Mwalimu Peter Orero.
Previously Olunga recalled the choice of having to forego an opportunity to join Monaco’s U18 team in favor of his KCSE exams.
“When I was in high school, just two weeks to KCSE, I had to go to Monaco U18 and everything was ready. So I had to choose between KCSE and going to Monaco but of course, I couldn’t let 4 years of education just go like that. I knew I was ging to do well in the examinations,” he said.
