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Engin Firat explains why Alphonce Omija's move to Gor Mahia is actually a step forward in his career.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has explained why Alphonce Omija’s move back to Gor Mahia is a good one for his development.
Omija’s return to Gor Mahia came after a brief stint with Oman’s Dhofar Club, which ended after just one season. The defender had originally joined Dhofar in February 2023 after leaving Kariobangi Sharks, where he made 20 appearances in one season.
Before his time with Sharks, Omija had featured for Gor Mahia during the 2019/20 season, making a single appearance.
Gor Mahia announced Omija's return in July, welcoming him back to the club he had come through as a youth player. “Alphonse Omija re-joins us from Oman side Dhofar Club. Omija came through the ranks from our Youth Team, welcome home Jatugo,” the club stated.
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19:20 - 11.07.2024
Ababu Namwamba: Inside Sports CS's last commitment to Kenyan football before dismissal in cabinet firings
President Ruto dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries, including Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, just hours after Ababu had a crucial conversation with Harambee Stars head coach Firat.
Omija's decision to return to K’Ogalo instead of seeking another opportunity abroad sparked mixed reactions among Kenyan football fans. Some felt that returning to Gor Mahia was a step backward for the promising defender, who had recently been promoted from the U20 national team to the senior Harambee Stars.
One fan, Jeff Aroto, expressed his disappointment, saying, “Omija’s sky was high up and now it has come down.” Another fan, Wilfred Osamo, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “He should have worked on a move to another club abroad. Returning to Gor Mahia is a downgrade for a player who had started to play for Harambee Stars.”
Despite the criticism, Coach Engin Firat believes Omija made the right decision by returning to Gor Mahia. Firat highlighted the benefits of playing in the CAF Champions League, which Gor Mahia will participate in following their triumph in the 2023/24 FKF Premier League.
“It is a good move from the player, a positive one because he will have the opportunity to play in the Champions League, a good stage to show himself to the world,” Firat explained to SportsBoom.
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18:17 - 09.07.2024
Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija explains how his game has been elevated since moving abroad
Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija has credited his improved game to moving abroad, having switched to Oman two years ago.
Gor Mahia, who secured their 21st Kenyan title last season under coach Johnathan McKinstry, will face El Merriekh Bentiu of South Sudan in the first preliminary round of the Champions League.
Should they progress, they will face the daunting challenge of Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the second round.
“It will be a good stage for the young player,” Firat added. “Champions League football brings the best out of such talent, and I know Omija will grab the chance with both hands. Gor Mahia is one of the best teams in Africa, and I don’t think it was a downgrade like many people are trying to put it.”
Firat also emphasized that at 21 years old, Omija still has plenty of time to pursue opportunities in Europe or other top leagues.
The Turkish coach’s endorsement of Omija’s move underlines the importance of strategic career decisions that align with a player’s development and exposure on the international stage.
As Omija gears up for the upcoming Champions League matches with Gor Mahia, the spotlight will be on him to prove that his return to K’Ogalo was indeed a step forward, rather than a step back.
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09:30 - 24.07.2024
Analysis : Coach Leo Neiva's 'samba-style' vision for Gor Mahia as evidenced in CECAFA outing
Gor Mahia did not have a good campaign at the CECAFA Kagame Cup under new coach Leo Neiva, but is there light at the end of the tunnel with the coach looking to play Brazilian-esque 'samba style' football?
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