Kenya’s national football team head coach, Engin Firat, has expressed his support for Alphonse Omija’s decision to re-sign with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia. Omija’s return follows a brief stint with Oman club Dhofar, which ended after just one season, prompting the young defender to return home and join the record Kenyan champions.
Omija initially joined Dhofar on February 7, 2023, after leaving Kariobangi Sharks, where he made 20 appearances in one season. Before his time at Sharks, Omija had played for Gor Mahia during the 2019/20 season, making only one appearance. His decision to return to K’Ogalo, instead of seeking another move abroad, has sparked mixed reactions among football fans in Kenya.
Some fans believe that Omija’s return to Gor Mahia is a step backward for the promising youngster, who had been promoted from the U20 national team to the senior Harambee Stars squad. “Omija’s sky was high up and now it has come down,” Jeff Aroto told SportsBoom, while Wilfred Osamo remarked, “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.”
However, Coach Firat views Omija’s return positively, emphasizing the benefits of playing in the CAF Champions 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.
Gor Mahia’s return to the Champions League follows their triumph in securing a record 21st Kenyan title last season, achieving the feat with three matches to spare. They are set to face El Merriekh Bentiu of South Sudan in the first preliminary round, with an away match on August 16th and a return leg in Nairobi on August 23rd. Should they progress, they will face record African champions 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, the 54-year-old Turkish tactician, also argued that at 21 years old, Omija is still young enough to return to Europe. “Returning to Gor Mahia does not close the door for him to play abroad; he is still young enough to go again and play abroad. He has enough years ahead of him and will return abroad.”
Omija earned his first call-up for Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast, played in Lilongwe, Malawi, in June. Although he was an unused substitute against Burundi, Omija debuted against the African champions, helping Kenya secure a 0-0 draw.
In another interview, Firat explained why he was not surprised by Omija’s rise and qualities. “Everyone from outside is maybe surprised but I am not because when I saw Alphonce for the first time, I was sure about him. He waited for his chance and took it against the African champions Ivory Coast and did his job well.”
“You should also remember that Alphonce was in the Kenyan league, and nobody gave him a real chance. When I invited him for the first time to join Harambee Stars camp, even most people didn’t know who he is.”
According to former Gor Mahia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Omondi Aduda, Omija’s signing is a significant boost for the club’s aspirations in the continental scene. “He is a very good addition to the squad. He has all the ingredients to help Gor Mahia perform at the highest level, especially now that they are participating in the Champions League,” Aduda said.
Omija did not feature for Gor Mahia in the just-concluded 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Gor Mahia had a disappointing outing. They finished the tournament without a win, losing 1-0 to the guest team and eventual winners Red Arrows of Zambia, drawing 1-1 against ASAS Djibouti Telecom, and losing 2-0 to Al Hilal of Sudan.
However, Omija will have the opportunity to make his debut when Gor Mahia travel to Nigeria for the inaugural Coal City International Cup, featuring teams like Brazilian giants Esporte Clube Vitoria, Sierra Leone’s FC Kallon, and Cotton FC from Benin. Nigerian clubs Enugu Rangers, Enyimba, Kano Pillars, and Remo Stars will also participate.
K’Ogalo will kick off their campaign against Esporte Clube Vitoria on August 2 in Enugu, face Remo Stars on August 4, and conclude their preliminary group fixtures against Kano Pillars on August 6
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