Gor Mahia VP Makes Shocking Confession Amid Ongoing Questions on Harambee Stars Defender Alphonce Omija Transfer

Gor Mahia Football Club Vice President Sally Bolo has spoken publicly for the first time on the controversy surrounding Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija’s transfer to Tunisian giants Étoile Sportive du Sahel. 

The experienced football administrator's statement comes amid heated debate among fans who have questioned whether her role as Director of Salient Sports Management Limited created a conflict of interest in the deal.

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Omija’s  transfer has been the talk of Kenyan football since Omija’s impressive showing at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN), where he was one of Kenya’s standout performers. 

The 22-year-old defender's move to Tunisia was celebrated as a significant career leap, but the lack of clarity about the transaction details triggered speculation and pressure from Gor Mahia supporters.

“I wish to address recent conversations regarding my roles as a Director of Salient Sports Management Limited, which I founded in 2021, and my election in April 2025 as Vice President of Gor Mahia Football Club,” Bolo said in her official statement.

She was quick to clarify that no football regulations or laws prohibit a club official from running a private sports-management company, provided that there is no direct business relationship between the club and the firm.

“There is no legal or regulatory restriction that prevents an individual from serving in football leadership while also managing a private business, provided there is no direct commercial relationship between the two entities,” she stated.

Bolo also emphasized that Salient Sports Management has not conducted any business with Gor Mahia since she assumed office as Vice President.

In her remarks, Bolo stressed her commitment to good governance and compliance with both local and international football standards. 

She reiterated that her company’s operations remain independent of Gor Mahia FC, dismissing allegations that she influenced Omija’s transfer.

“To safeguard good governance, I will continue to recuse myself from any discussions or decisions at Gor Mahia that could involve Salient Sports Management,” she said. 

“My foremost priority is to serve the best interests of Gor Mahia FC while contributing positively to the wider growth of football.”

Bolo added that she adheres strictly to the provisions of the FIFA Code of Ethics, FIFA Governance Regulations, and FKF Constitution by disclosing any potential conflicts of interest and withdrawing from deliberations where necessary.

Omija’s transfer has been hailed as a milestone for Kenyan football. The young defender has been steadily cementing his place in the national team setup, and his move to Tunisia is seen as the next step in his professional growth.

His performances during CHAN 2024, including a crucial goal against Madagascar in the quarterfinal, captured the attention of scouts and positioned him as one of Kenya’s most promising talents.

By signing with Étoile du Sahel, Omija joins an elite list of Kenyan players making their mark in top North African leagues.