Alphonce Omija, the Harambee Stars defender, has shared insights into the struggles he has encountered since his move to Tunisian football giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel. The 26-year-old, who joined Etoile after a standout performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), revealed that the language barrier has been his most significant challenge.
Having previously played for Gor Mahia, where his season was marked by an absence of silverware, Omija’s transition to the highly competitive environment of Etoile has not been without hurdles. The defender quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s defense, starting in most of their matches despite the difficulty of adapting to his new surroundings.
In an interview following Etoile’s 2-0 loss to Nairobi United in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup second round, Omija rated his adaptation to life and football in Tunisia as a 6.5 to 7 out of 10. While his understanding of Arabic, gained from his previous stint in Oman, has been helpful, the French language remains a significant obstacle for him. “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,” he admitted.
Despite this, Omija has been able to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup, thanks in part to his calm demeanor and his ability to quickly adapt to the team’s tactical demands. Etoile’s style of play, which emphasizes passing, has suited Omija’s skill set, allowing him to fit in with ease. “I have been calm and trying to be real with what I do. I have tried to fit in. It’s about learning and adapting to the team’s style,” he explained.
As Etoile Sportive du Sahel prepares for the return leg in Tunis, where they face a two-goal deficit, Omija will be hoping that his team can turn the tie around. On the other hand, Nairobi United, making their continental debut, will look to protect their lead and create history by reaching the group stage in their first-ever campaign.
