Gor Mahia vice chairperson Sally Bolo has spoken out for the first time after facing criticism over the transfer of Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija to Tunisian heavyweights Etoile Sportive du Sahel.
Omija, 23, finalized his move last week to the 11-time Tunisian league winners, ending his second spell with K’Ogalo. His departure came shortly after an impressive showing at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, where he stood out as one of Kenya’s best performers.
In the days following his exit, speculation grew that Bolo had a hand in pushing the deal through, with some accusing her of deliberately weakening Gor Mahia. But in a firm response shared on her official Facebook page, she dismissed the allegations.
“I have been following, with amazement, the debate over Omija’s transfer. I am wrongfully getting plenty of flak for weakening a club I profess to love,” Bolo stated.
She went on to clarify that Etoile Sportive du Sahel made a direct approach to Gor Mahia with an official bid for the player. The matter, she explained, was then presented to the club’s Executive Council (EC), which unanimously approved the transfer.
According to Bolo, the transaction followed all the proper procedures and complied fully with FIFA regulations.
“The player has, for the last four years, been managed by Salient Sports Management. Through their FIFA-licensed agents, they negotiated the best package for both the player and the club after both parties agreed to do business,” she explained, noting that her association with the management agency had led to misplaced allegations of a conflict of interest.
The Gor Mahia vice chairperson stressed that she was neither the initiator of the deal nor the person who sold the player, insisting that the agreement was transparent and officially authorized by the EC.
Since sealing the move, Omija has already featured in two matches for his new club, completing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Monastir before appearing again in a narrow 3-2 loss to JS Kairouan in the Tunisian top flight as he begins adapting to life in North Africa.