Alphonse Omija reveals how Benni McCarthy influenced his move to Tunisian giants
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 20.07.26. | 15:43
The former Gor Mahia center-back revealed that patience and timing played a key role in his decision, eventually paving the way for what he believes was the best move of his career
Harambee Stars defender Alphonse Omija has revealed how national team coach Benni McCarthy played a pivotal role in his move to Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel.
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The former Gor Mahia defender disclosed that he turned down an offer from South African side Durban City after McCarthy advised him against attending trials during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The well-traveled center back also rejected a move to Sudanese giants Al Merrikh before eventually sealing a transfer to Etoile.
Omija attracted interest from several clubs after an impressive spell with Gor, which also earned him a place in Kenya's squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
One of the first clubs to approach him was South African outfit Durban City, but the 23-year-old opted against making the move after receiving advice from Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy.
"After our opening match against DR Congo, I received an offer from Durban City in South Africa, but they wanted me to go for trials," Omija told Zoza Sportscast.
"Because the coach and his staff are from South Africa, I asked him for his opinion. He told me they are a good club but advised me not to go because it was only for trials. He reminded me that I was an important player for the team during CHAN and encouraged me to finish the tournament because a better opportunity could come."
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Omija also disclosed that Sudanese powerhouse Al Merrikh approached him. Still, concerns over the country's security situation and the state of the domestic league convinced him to turn down the offer.
"I also had an offer from Al Merrikh, but I rejected it because of the instability in the league and the country at the time," he said.
The defender eventually secured a move to Etoile, revealing that he first became aware of the club's interest through unexpected messages from supporters before any official contact was made.
"I started hearing rumors about Etoile Sportive du Sahel just before our final match against Madagascar. Their fans were already sending me messages congratulating me and welcoming me to the club, yet nobody from the club had contacted me," he recalled.
According to Omija, the Tunisian giants officially made their move a few weeks after the tournament while he was back in Harambee Stars camp preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
"They contacted me a few weeks later when we were in national team camp for the Gambia match, which I did not play in. We were preparing for the Seychelles game when they insisted that I should join them immediately. I informed the coach, who understood the situation and allowed me to leave camp to complete the transfer."
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