AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo has stirred up conversation by attributing his mistakes in the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against rivals Gor Mahia to juju (black magic).
Levis Opiyo, who has been at the center of controversy following his underwhelming performances in these heated encounters, believes that supernatural forces have influenced his game.
Having played in five derbies, with only one win to his name, Opiyo has faced significant backlash from Leopards’ fans for key errors, particularly in the 2023 derbies.
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Opiyo’s Derby Struggles: A Tale of Missteps and Allegations
The Mashemeji Derby, one of the most iconic fixtures in Kenyan football, has been a challenging affair for Levis Opiyo.
As the AFC Leopards goalkeeper, Levis Opiyo has often found himself under fire for high-profile mistakes during matches against their bitter rivals, Gor Mahia.
In the 2023 first-leg derby, held at Kasarani Stadium, Levis Opiyo was heavily criticized for leaving his line too early, allowing Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla to chip the ball over him, resulting in a crucial goal.
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The second-leg derby at Nyayo Stadium saw another mistake from Opiyo that left fans frustrated.
This time, the error came when Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo applied pressure on Opiyo, causing the ball to deflect off Odhiambo and into the net.
Both incidents sparked heated discussions among AFC Leopards supporters, with many questioning Opiyo’s form and decision-making in these crucial matches.
Speaking on the Tiki Taka podcast, Levis Opiyo revealed that his struggles in the Mashemeji Derby might not be purely down to technical errors.
The goalkeeper suggested that juju could be influencing his performance, hinting that a Gor Mahia steward—who also happens to be a close friend—has been using black magic to disrupt his game.
Levis Opiyo explained that the steward ensures they greet each other before every derby and often walks behind him as they enter the pitch.
According to Opiyo, this strange ritual has raised suspicions, especially since he only feels weak during these high-stakes derby matches. “The Derby matches are always played off the field,” Opiyo said. “There’s a guy at Gor Mahia that I’ve noticed over time. I won’t say exactly what he does, but we know. Whenever I play in a derby, I feel weak, and it only happens in those games.”
This revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing rivalry between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, with the suggestion that forces beyond the pitch could be playing a role in the outcomes of these fiercely contested derbies.
Now fully aware of the potential supernatural influence on his performances, Levis Opiyo is determined to prepare differently for future derby encounters.
The goalkeeper, whose father is a pastor, has vowed to rely on spiritual preparation ahead of the next Mashemeji Derby. “Now that I know what happens, I also know what I’ll do. My father is a pastor, and this time, I’ll prepare differently before the derby. Gor Mahia will fall this year,” Opiyo stated confidently.
Opiyo’s strong declaration has reignited hope among AFC Leopards fans, who are eager to see their team break Gor Mahia’s dominance in the derby.
With this newfound awareness, Levis Opiyo promises to give a much-improved performance, aiming to help Leopards secure a long-awaited victory over their archrivals.
Levis Opiyo’s inconsistent performances in past derbies have not only attracted criticism but have also sparked allegations of match-fixing from some sections of the fanbase.
However, the goalkeeper vehemently denied these claims, insisting that neither he nor his family is involved in gambling. “No one in my family gambles, and I won’t be the first. The little money people make from betting—I already have that. We weren’t raised to gamble, and I’d never be involved in match-fixing,” he clarified.
While acknowledging that match-fixing exists in football, Opiyo emphasized that he would never risk his reputation or his career, especially at clubs with passionate supporters like AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. “These things happen, but I am not part of it. I try to be more professional. What people don’t realize is that at clubs like AFC and Gor, you can’t manipulate a match. The fans have a say, and if you make a mistake on purpose, they can be ruthless. You cannot afford to slip up at these clubs,” Opiyo said.
With the next Mashemeji Derby fast approaching, all eyes will be on Levis Opiyo and how he performs in what could be a defining match for his career at AFC Leopards.
The goalkeeper remains focused on improving his form and helping his team achieve success. With his confidence bolstered by his new spiritual approach, Opiyo is determined to overcome his derby struggles and lead AFC Leopards to victory.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown, wondering whether Opiyo’s vow of redemption will come to fruition or whether Gor Mahia will continue their dominance in one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Kenyan football.
