Kenya head coach Engin Firat has come out to explain why Harambee Stars midfielder Alphonse Omija made the right move to re-sign for Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League champions Gor Mahia.

Return to Kenya

In a surprise turn of events, the 21-year-old Omija’s sojourn with Oman club Dhofar ended after only one season, forcing the exciting youngster to return home and sign for the record Kenyan champions.

“Alphonce Omija re-joins us from Oman side Dhofar Club. Omija came through the ranks from our Youth Team, welcome jome Jatugo,” Gor Mahia announced Omija’s return on their social media pages.

Omija signed for Dhofar on February 7, 2023, after leaving Kariobangi Sharks, where he had managed 20 appearances in one season. Before playing for Sharks, Omija had featured for Gor Mahia in the 2019/20 season making only one appearance.

His decision to return to K’Ogalo and not seek a move abroad after Dhofar turned against renewing his contract, elicited mixed reactions amongst a section of football fans in the country.

Most fans felt it was a big downgrade for the enterprising youngster, who had been promoted from the U20 national team to the senior team Harambee Stars.

“Omija’s sky was high up and now it has come down,” Jeff Aroto Jeff told SportsBoom.com in reaction to Omija’s move to K’Ogalo.
Right call

While Wilfred Osamo said: “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.”

According to Firat, Omija made the right call to return to Gor Mahia because he will benefit from playing Caf Champions League football and show himself to the world stage.