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The Harambee Stars defender has become a stalwalt not just for the national team, but also for Gor Mahia, but it never would have happened without a brave decision to initially quit the record league champions back in 2019.
Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija has opened up about the frustrations that led him to quit K’Ogalo back in 2018, despite initially signing a long-term contract with the club.
Omija, who made a highly anticipated return to Gor Mahia at the beginning of the 2024/25 season after a stint with Dhofar in Oman, was originally promoted to the club’s senior team from their youth setup after joining from Korogocho Youth.
Former head coach Stephen Polack immediately integrated him into the first team. However, his time at Gor Mahia was marred by limited playing opportunities, which ultimately forced him to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
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10:00 - 07.08.2024
Gor Mahia's Alphonce Omija reflects on unforgettable experience of marking Brighton's Simon Adingra on his Harambee Stars debut
Omija has reflected on his debut for Kenya against Ivory Coast, when he managed to keep Brighton's Simon Adingra at bay.
Speaking on the Tiki Taka Show, Omija candidly detailed his frustrations over a lack of game time, which made him feel redundant at the club.
“Playing time was a problem. I had accepted a five-year contract, but after two years, I was not playing, so I got frustrated and wanted to leave,” Omija revealed.
Reflecting on his experience, he humorously likened his situation to that of a "ghost worker", emphasizing how he saw no benefits in remaining on the sidelines.
“I thought I would not benefit from not playing. Some players need six months or so to get out of the blocks, which is what I wanted,” he stated.
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05:00 - 01.08.2024
Harambee Stars coach Firat explains why Alphonce Omija's move to Gor Mahia is a step forward in his career
Engin Firat explains why Alphonce Omija's move to Gor Mahia is actually a step forward in his career.
With established defenders like Joash Onyango, Harun Shakava, Joachim Oluoch, and Charles Momanyi ahead of him in the pecking order, Omija found himself regularly overlooked.
“When the coach named the starting lineup, I found myself as the extra man in training. Even on matchday, I was never in the coach’s plans. I was only involved in one match against Posta Rangers in Machakos, and that was because other players had gone on a go-slow.”
Realising his stagnation, Omija made the bold decision to leave Gor Mahia in 2020, joining Kariobangi Sharks, where he thrived under the tutelage of coach William Muluyha.
Describing his time at Sharks, Omija credited the club for significantly refining his skills and preparing him for greater opportunities.
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13:43 - 12.06.2024
Alphonce Omija: 5 essential facts you probably didn't know about the Harambee Stars defender
Alphonce Omija impressed in a World Cup qualifier, highlighting his journey from Nairobi's Korogocho to international football acclaim.
“At Sharks, that is a real school. It is like joining a school with 200 marks and actually getting out with 400. Sharks makes you a better player, and it is something very visible to date.”
His performances at Sharks caught the attention of Gor Mahia once again, with the club eager to re-sign him in January 2023. The initial plan was for Omija to return under coach Johnathan McKinstry following the lifting of their impending transfer ban in March. However, an unexpected opportunity abroad altered his course.
Just as Omija was finalizing his return to Gor Mahia, an offer from Omani club Dhofar emerged. Encouraged by former Gor Mahia treasurer Sally Bolo and former Harambee Stars defender Gabriel Olang, Omija decided to seize the opportunity.
“It was a God-sent move. I was set to sign for Gor. The paperwork had been signed, and I was ready to commit. Then Sally Bolo called me, saying the team was looking for a striker and a defender. At the same time, the paperwork for a three-week trial at Dhofar had already been sent. I took a leap of faith and flew out. After 10 weeks, they decided to sign me.”
At Dhofar, Omija’s career soared as he played a crucial role in helping the team clinch the Emperor’s Cup. His stellar performances earned him a call-up to the Harambee Stars squad under coach Engin Firat in 2024.
Omija made his national team debut against Ivory Coast during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, delivering a standout performance that earned him the Man of the Match award in a 0-0 draw in Malawi.
His reliability at the back has since cemented his place as a key figure for both club and country.
His leadership qualities were further recognized when he captained Harambee Stars in the absence of Abud Omar during a Mapinduzi Cup match against Zanzibar on January 10, 2024, at the Gombani Stadium.
Now back at Gor Mahia, Omija has come full circle, returning as a more experienced and confident player, ready to make a lasting impact at the club that first gave him a chance.
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