Why Chinese league may not be bad for Olunga

 Micheal Olunga was back to his towering sporting level when he grabbed a brace against Congo on March 21 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

A 2-1 win over Congo meant that Kenyan side would break the deadlock in the winless but unbeaten run that was dating to eight games.

While many people would perceive this as a pure improvement for the Harambee Stars since Stanley Okumbi took over as the coach, one thing may not go unnoticed-some career was perhaps under revival.

Michael Olunga was getting his knack back. He was more of a wounded lion that showed its claws back and made a reassurance like ‘here I am, still dangerous’.

Move to China

Olunga made a move from Danish side Djurgardens IF to Hengfeng Ghuizhou Zhicheng of Chinese Super League earlier this year.

It was a move that could have been least thought of given that CSL does not command a high level of respect among the soccer lovers and analysts.

In a succinct description, the former Gor Mahia man was viewed as a player who had put his career on the death bed by moving to China.

The Chinese Super League has the money, glamor and perhaps proves to be irresistible to many top world soccer players.

It is a league that has attracted various Brazilian players who are still at the prime and this has been puzzling.

Former Chelsea players Oscar Dos Santos and his compatriot Ramires have both moved to China at the height of their prime playing years.

Others are Hulk, Paulinho and Alex Texeira who have moved from Europe to CSL for the reasons best known to them. But for the disappointed fans who would want to watch these players in other European leagues; money is the main bait that strangles the talents.

China-based players saving the day

Despite the ongoing lambasting of the Chinese league for ‘attempting to destroy’ the beauty of the game by flashing outrageous money on players, there have been hidden positives to it.

Paulinho, the former Tottenham Hotspur player made a move to Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao under a situation that was considered to be his last moments in the game.

The once flamboyant midfield icon departed the premier league after a blip in form that saw him being relegated to the bench by Spurs coach Mauricio Pochetino.

But Paulinho turned to be the savior for Brazil when he netted a hat-trick against Uruguay on March 24, in World Cup Qualify.

That China-based foreign players can step in and save their countries on the international matches is an indicator that the CSL project may not be a bad path for the world soccer.

As Olunga celebrated his 23rd birthday with two superbly taken goals, the Chinese Super League could be the indirect beneficiary.