‘I Didn’t Feel Wanted Over That’ - Levis Opiyo Reveals Shocking Reason He Left AFC Leopards

Former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo has finally shed light over the reason he left the club after a five-year stint donning Ingwe Colours.

Opiyo had cemented himself as a fan favorite, despite making some high profile mistakes in a couple of Mashemeji Derbies against his former club Gor Mahia in 2023 and 2024. However, he was otherwise consistent for most part.

However, his tenure came to an end following the expiry of his contract, before choosing to join Bandari for the 2025/2026 season.

Speaking to LTN Media in a recent interview, Opiyo claimed that the reasons he left the club were far from footballing, citing self interests and tribal lines as the reason behind his departure

“AFC Leopards is a big club with a huge following. I love the fans — they are home to me. I did not leave because the team was performing badly,” said Opiyo.

“I left because three of the management members were against me. It was all tribal for me. I respect that, but that is what it is.”

The 31-year-old further explained that his experience with the issue was not new, claiming similar challenges existed even under previous administrations.

“I have been fighting for the past five years over these tribal issues. Even the previous management did not want me because my name was Opiyo,” he revealed.

“The club belongs to the community, not individuals. Maybe one day, I will go back. I have no hard feelings, but these are little things we must fight to remove from the game.”

Ironically, Opiyo’s first match for Bandari came against his former side AFC Leopards during the ODM@20 Cup in Mombasa, where Bandari triumphed on penalties. Despite joining late and missing pre-season, he impressed with a composed display.

“I never had a pre-season with the club before I joined late,” Opiyo said. “I had to sacrifice myself for the past month to get fit and ready. I didn’t realise I’d be making my debut against my former club.”

The former Posta Rangers and City Stars goalkeeper added that his familiarity with Ingwe’s attacking players gave him an advantage.

“Football is about 90 minutes — you can win, draw or lose. I knew a lot of them because I was with them for five years. For instance, I knew how to handle Omune in a one-v-one situation,” he said.

Now settled at Bandari, Opiyo hopes to help the coastal side push for honours this season while calling for reforms to ensure inclusivity and unity across Kenyan football.

“We must move beyond these divisions if we want our football to grow,” he concluded.