Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has expressed interest in pursuing a career in Geospatial Engineering once he retires from professional football. Known as “The Engineer” by his fans in Kenya, Olunga’s academic background in engineering has always been a defining aspect of his identity alongside his football career.
Olunga holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Geospatial Engineering from the Technical University of Kenya. His journey in football began during his high school years at Upper Hill School, where he represented Liberty Sports Academy in the Nairobi County League. This dual pursuit of academics and sports set the foundation for his future endeavors.
In 2013, Olunga began his professional football journey by joining Tusker in the Kenyan Premier League on loan from Liberty. He later moved to Thika United for another loan spell before joining Gor Mahia in 2015. His time at Gor Mahia was particularly remarkable, as he scored 19 goals and became the club’s top scorer that season. His performance played a crucial role in helping Gor Mahia secure their 15th league title without losing a single match.
Olunga’s success in the local league drew the attention of international clubs, leading to his move to Djurgårdens IF in Sweden. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career abroad, with stints in China, Spain, and Japan. Currently, he plays for Al Duhail in the Qatari Stars League, where he has established himself as one of the top strikers in Asia.
Despite his accomplishments on the pitch, Olunga has never lost sight of his academic achievements. In a recent interview, he spoke about the possibility of returning to Geospatial Engineering once he retires from football. Reflecting on this potential transition, he noted that life can be unpredictable, but he remains open to exploring the field he studied.
Geospatial Engineering involves using technology to capture, analyze, and manage spatial data, which can be applied in areas such as mapping, urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring. With growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, Olunga’s interest in engineering could lead to a promising second career after football. He mentioned that he had not yet practiced as an engineer but is open to considering this path in the future.
Currently based in Qatar, Olunga has adapted well to life in the Middle East. He appreciates the convenience of living in a region where English is widely spoken, making communication and daily activities more manageable. Qatar’s environment has also allowed him to focus on his career while enjoying a supportive community and family life.
The Kenyan community in Qatar has been a source of encouragement for Olunga, both on and off the field. He acknowledges their unwavering support during league and Champions League matches. This camaraderie has made his time in Qatar even more fulfilling, as he values the connection with fellow Kenyans who share his journey and celebrate his achievements.
Olunga also appreciates the respect and opportunities afforded to him in Qatar, not only as a footballer but as an individual. This sense of recognition has bolstered his confidence, and he sees it as a reflection of the potential for Kenyans to excel in various fields internationally.
As Olunga continues to excel in football, his aspirations in Geospatial Engineering remain an inspiring testament to the importance of balancing academics and sports. His journey serves as a role model for young athletes who aim to excel both on the field and in their professional careers. Whether scoring goals or analyzing spatial data, Olunga’s determination and versatility exemplify his commitment to excellence in all aspects of life.
