AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo blames 'juju' for derby mistakes, vows to end Gor Mahia's dominance

AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo has attributed his past errors in the heated Mashemeji Derby to Juju (black magic), hinting that the outcomes are influenced by forces beyond the pitch.

Opiyo, who has featured in five derbies against rivals Gor Mahia, has only secured one win, with two matches ending in defeat and as many in draws.

The former Wazito shot-stopper has often faced criticism for his performances, particularly during Leopards' two losses to Gor Mahia. Ingwe fans have called him out for costly mistakes in both fixtures.

In the 2023 first-leg match held at Kasarani Stadium, Opiyo was faulted for leaving his line too early, allowing Gor Mahia’s Benson Omalla to lob the ball over him.

In the second leg at Nyayo Stadium, another goalkeeping error by Opiyo gifted Gor Mahia the win, as Austine Odhiambo’s press led to a high-profile gaffe, with the ball deflecting off Odhiambo and into the net.

Speaking on the Tiki Taka podcast, Opiyo suggested that his struggles in the derby might be due to juju, allegedly performed by a Gor Mahia steward, who happens to be a close friend. According to Opiyo, the steward ensures that they greet each other before the game and that he walks behind him from the tunnel.

"The Derby matches are always played off the field," Opiyo said. "There’s a guy at Gor Mahia that I’ve noticed over time, and I’m ready for him now. I won’t say exactly what he does, but we know. Our stewards have seen him, and God has also shown me what he’s been up to. When I was at Gor Mahia, he was a close friend. It’s like he’s playing with me outside the field—with black magic. Whenever I play in a derby, I feel weak, and it only happens in those games."

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With newfound awareness of the situation, Opiyo assured AFC Leopards fans that this year’s derby will be different.

"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," he declared confidently.

Opiyo’s performances in derbies have drawn widespread criticism, with some fans accusing him of betting on matches. He strongly denied the allegations, stating, "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."

While acknowledging that match-fixing exists in football, Opiyo maintained that he would never engage in it, especially at clubs with passionate fan bases 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 remains focused on improving his form and helping Leopards secure a win in the next Mashemeji Derby.

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