Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side AFC Leopards have extended the contract of goalkeeper Levis Omondi Opiyo.
According to Ingwe’s club statement on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Opiyo has extended his stay at the dens for another year.
The contract extension means Opiyo will stand between the sticks for AFC Leopards for his fourth season having joined the club from Wazito FC in November 2021.
Opiyo’s debut for AFC Leopards was against Sofapaka FC in Wundanyi. In the 2023/24 season, Opiyo featured in 25 matches, playing for 2250 minutes, and managed to keep 15 clean sheets.
Despite his decent form, he attracted a lot of criticism, especially during the Mashemeji Derbies, against traditional rivals Gor Mahia.
Derby blunder
In April 2024, Opiyo made a costly blunder that cost AFC Leopards during the Mashemeji Derby. The goalkeeper was severely punished after Gor Mahia’s enterprising midfielder Austin Odhiambo dispossessed him and poked the ball into the back of the net as he fumbled with a clearance in the six-yard area.
K’Ogalo won the match 1-0, boosting their chance of winning the league for the record 21st time.
Despite the error, AFC Leopards gaffer Tomas Trucha appealed to the fans to spare the goalkeeper an unnecessary flak. Trucha indicated that his charges squandered an opportunity to rally back from behind and leverage their superior number after Gor Mahia custodian Kevin Omondi was sent off for an early shower following a careless tackle on striker Victor Omune, who was charging for a goal.
“I’m sure he didn’t do it intentionally. He is already aware of how the fans generally feel about the whole incident. It wasn’t a good decision, but it would be unfair to blame him for our loss.
“We could have easily turned the tables on our opponents and registered a positive outcome if we had capitalized on the numerous chances we created in the match,” the Czech tactician insisted.
Other errors
In the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby, Opiyo’s error gifted former Gor Mahia’s striker Benson Omala a chance to score decisive goal.
On June 2, 2022, Opiyo gifted Gor Mahia an equalizing goal during a match marking the 59th Madaraka Day celebrations, which Gor Mahia eventually won on penalties.
Despite the blunders, AFC Leopards management has rallied behind their goalkeeper and has secured his stay at the club for another year.
Ingwe will open their FKFPL campaign against the newly promoted side Mathare United on Sunday, August 25, 2024, before facing Posta Rangers.
