Harambee Stars defender highlights main challenge since moving to Tunisia
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 21.10.25. | 08:12
The central defender was signed from Gor Mahia by the two-time CAF Confederation Cup winners after impressing during the CHAN tournament
Etoile Sportive du Sahel and Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija has highlighted language barrier as his main challenge since joining the Tunisian club.
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The central defender was signed from Gor Mahia by the two-time CAF Confederation Cup winners after impressing during the 2024 CHAN tournament.
His stay at Gor Mahia lasted just one season, which, unlike in recent years, ended without a trophy.
Since his move to the North African side, Omija has been a key figure in the team’s backline.
Although Etoile’s performances this season have been below expectations, he has started in most matches since completing his transfer.
On Sunday, he featured for Etoile against Nairobi United in a CAF Confederation Cup second-round first-leg match at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Nairobi United claimed a 2-0 win in a game where they could have scored more, based on the chances they created.
Omija spoke to the media after the match and, when asked about his adaptation in North Africa, rated it at seven out of ten.
He admitted that understanding French has been his biggest challenge, though the little Arabic he learned during his time in Oman has helped him settle in.
“I can rate my adaptation at 6.5 to 7,” he said. “The main issue is the language barrier because they speak French and Arabic. I understand a bit of Arabic, having played in Oman, but French is a struggle. So far, so good.”
On how he managed to break into the starting lineup, Omija said staying calm and quickly adapting to the team’s demands has been crucial.
“I have been calm and trying to be real with what I do. I have tried to fit in. Their playing style mainly emphasizes passing the ball, and when you have that ability like I do, it helps. It has also been about learning and adapting to the team’s style of play, and so far, so good.”
The two teams will meet again for the return leg on Sunday in Tunis, where the hosts will hope to overturn the scoreline and progress to the group stage.
Nairobi United, making their debut in the competition, will aim to preserve their advantage and make history by becoming the first Kenyan club to reach the group stage in their first attempt.
The Kenyan side eliminated NEC FC of Uganda in the first round to set up the tie against the Tunisians.
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