Kenya defender Omija discusses challenges at new Tunisian club Étoile du Sahel

Former Gor Mahia and Kenya national team defender Alphonse Omija has revealed the challenges he’s faced since his transfer move to Tunisian giant Étoile Sportive du Sahel.

The 23-year-old joined Étoile after his impressive displays during the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Omija led the Benni McCarthy-coached side to reach the knockout stages for the first time in history.

He returned home for the first time on Sunday as Nairobi United took on his side in the second preliminary round first leg fixture of the CAF Confederation Cup. However, his team returned home empty handed after losing the game 2-0 ahead of the return leg.

‘I understand a bit of Arabic’

“I can rate my adaptation at 6.5 to 7,” Omija said as quoted by Mozzart Sports. “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.

“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.”

Sahel coach Mohamed Ali Nafkha discussed the arrival of Omija saying he was one of the key players for his side.

“He is an important player for us…he is an international player, so he is very important for us. He has started for us and we have played about five or six games. He is a very good player with very good mobility. He was impressive at CHAN and he has really tried to help us,” he explained.

Omija will hope to help Sahel overturn the first leg defeat and qualify for the group stages when they host Nairobi United for the return leg at Stade Olympique de Sousse on Sunday, October 26.