Former AFC Leopards Goalkeeper Levis Opiyo Opens Up on New Life at Bandari

Levis Opiyo has heaped praise on Bandari's new coach Mohammed Borji, while revealing how he has adapted to life in humid conditions in Mombasa.

Bandari goalkeeper Levis Opiyo has opened up on how he has adapted to life at his new club since signing from AFC Leopards.

The experienced shot-stopper, who joined Bandari ahead of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season, revealed that he feels rejuvenated and at peace in his new environment after enduring a demanding spell with Leopards.

Speaking to LTN Sports, Opiyo was full of praise for Borji, describing him as a tactically astute coach with a modern approach to the game.

“He is an experienced coach who has played at the highest level in Morocco. He knows what he is doing because the day he first came here, there was no difference between his football and that of other foreign-based coaches,” said Opiyo.

According to the former AFC Leopards goalkeeper, Borji’s philosophy revolves around speed and possession-based football — a style that has impressed the players but requires a steep learning curve in Kenya’s competitive environment.

“He wants speed and wants us to keep the ball on the floor. We are trying to adapt to his system, but it is a challenge because the Kenyan Premier League has its challenges as well, and you have no time to adapt,” he explained.

Despite the adjustment period, Opiyo believes Borji’s interpersonal approach has fostered unity within the squad.

“He is a smart guy, and I am sure he will adapt on a game-by-game basis. He believes in everyone and treats us all as family. It is good for a new coach to look at you and assess you for the first time,” he noted.

On settling into life in Mombasa, Opiyo described the transition as smooth, crediting the club’s culture and the city’s hospitality for making him feel at home.

“Bandari are Swahilis, and normally the reception is great, which is a blessing. I feel at home because previously, I was shouldering a lot of burden in my previous team,” he said.

I Was Shouldering AFC Leopards' Burdens on My Back

The 31-year-old acknowledged that playing for AFC Leopards came with immense pressure and scrutiny from fans, especially during big fixtures.

“I had to make more saves, and if I made a mistake, I would take a lot of stick,” he admitted. “Now I feel at ease and have no pressure, and I am sure my performances will be even better.”

However, Opiyo revealed that Mombasa’s coastal heat presented an early challenge to his training routine.

“For the first three weeks, I was finding it difficult to complete training because of the adverse weather conditions. Now I have adapted well. It would take me up to 30 or 40 minutes to recuperate because I would hardly complete training,” he shared.

Now fully settled, Opiyo says he feels revitalised and ready to play his best football yet.