- Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija has completed a move to Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel.
- His transfer comes after a solid performance with the Harambee Stars in the recently concluded CHAN 2024 tournament.
- ESS is one of Tunisia’s most successful clubs, having won the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 eleven times, the Tunisian Cup ten times, and the Tunisian Super Cup three times.
Kenya international defender Alphonce Omija has officially completed a move to Tunisian Powerhouse Etoile Sportive du Sahel from Gor Mahia in a deal whose terms remain undisclosed.
“Warmly Welcome to Harambee Star, Alphonse_Omija! Let’s shine together at Étoile Sportive du Sahel,” the club wrote on their social media as they unveiled Omija on Wednesday, September 10.
The sensational center-back was one of the standout performers in the just-concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), which Kenya co-hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
He was a solid presence at the back for the Harambee Stars, helping the national team reach its first-ever quarterfinal in the tournament.
On top of that, the 23-year-old prospect also scored a goal in the quarterfinal against Madagascar, though he later missed a penalty spot-kick as Kenya was eliminated.
Nonetheless, his impressive form has secured him a move abroad.
Alphonce Omija pens an emotional message to Gor Mahia
Omija shared an emotional farewell to the club he grew with, starting from the youth team before a stint with Kariobangi Sharks.
He then secured a deal with Omani side Dhofar Club in 2023 before rejoining Gor Mahia’s senior team in 2024, where his career has been nothing short of exceptional.
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“Gor Mahia will forever be my home. Gor Mahia damu ni green since Gor Mahia youth FC,” Omija posted on Instagram.
“For the past one year, playing for Gor has been a true honor. Very incredible—full of emotions. I will miss every moment, the battles, and the smiles we shared. Wishing you the very best in the future.
To the Green Army supporters, thank you for your love and support. You made it more beautiful. I wish I could have said goodbye in a better way, but just know my love for you is endless.
And to the club management- nothing more, I appreciate each of you,” he added.
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Who are Etoile Sportive du Sahel? What are some of their achievements?
Etoile Sportive du Sahel (or ESS) is a Tunisian football club founded on May 11, 1925. It is part of a multi-sport organization based in Sousse, the third-largest city in Tunisia, and competes in Ligue 1 Pro.
ESS is one of Tunisia’s most successful clubs, having won the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 eleven times, the Tunisian Football Cup ten times, and the Tunisian Super Cup three times.
At the continental level, they won the CAF Champions League once in 2007 and reached the final on three other occasions (2004, 2005, 2007).
In the CAF Confederation Cup, they appeared in three finals, winning twice in 2006 and 2015.
Other honors include:
- CAF Super Cup: Winner (1998, 2008); Finalist (2004, 2007, 2016)
- CAF Cup: Winner (1995, 1999); Finalist (1996, 2001)
- African Cup Winners’ Cup: Winner (1997, 2003)
Last season, they finished third in the Tunisian Ligue 1 with 61 points.
They currently sit in 11th place with four points after four matches. Signing Alphonce Omija is part of their strategy to strengthen the squad as they also prepare for the 2025–26 CAF Confederation Cup.