Alphonce Omija reveals unusual way former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat gave him his first call-up

Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija has opened up on the unusual way he received his first call-up for the national team Harambee Stars.

Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija has opened up about the unexpected and rather peculiar way he received his first call-up to the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, under former head coach Engin Firat.

Speaking on the TikiTak show, Omija recalled the moment Firat reached out to him while he was still playing in Oman for Dhofar Club.

“I remember my first game for the national team. I was handed my debut by coach Firat in the World Cup qualifiers against Senegal,” he said.

Omija disclosed that his initial call-up came during the Four Nations Tournament in Malawi, although he did not feature in any matches.

“By the time he was sending me the message, I was still in Oman. He just came to my inbox on Instagram, introduced himself as the coach, and started asking me a few questions—like when my league season was ending," he revealed.

"At first, I was surprised and even doubted if it was really the national team coach, so I had to check his profile to confirm," he admitted.

Despite his initial skepticism, Omija soon realized that Firat was indeed serious.

“Eventually, we got down to business. I sent him the Oman league program, and he assured me that he would call me up in the next FIFA window."

"The first time, I did not play, but on my second call-up, I made my debut against Senegal in the World Cup qualifiers. It was an important match for me to make a name for myself," he added.

Now a key figure in the national team under interim coach Francis Kimanzi, Omija recently captained Harambee Stars during the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar in January. He described the moment he discovered he would be leading the team.

“We did not know who the captain or assistant would be because we joined the team late due to club duties. When I arrived, I just found the armband and the national flag next to my jersey. I was shocked.”

Despite the surprise, Omija embraced the leadership role, stating, “It was a good experience to lead the team. You’re not just leading a group of players; you’re leading the country. It gives you a morale boost.”

Looking ahead, Omija remains confident about the potential of the national team to do better on the international stage.

“I believe we have the quality to qualify for major tournaments like the World Cup and AFCON. There are many young talents coming up, so the ability is there. We just need support from the fans and the federation.”

With his inspiring journey and growing role in the national setup, Omija is proving to be a crucial asset for Harambee Stars as they aim for future successes on the continental and global stage.

The side is poised to compete in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Agust which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

In the FKF Premier League (FKFPL), Omija is eying a successful title defense with Gor Mahia who currently places third on the log with 31 points, six behind leaders Kenya Police FC who are tied on 37 pints with second-placed Tusker

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