• Opiyo expressed his happiness at being included in the 30-man provisional squad head coach Engin Firat unveiled last week ahead of a March 28 international friendly match against Iran.
• Opiyo stated that being called up to the national team had not taken him by surprise because he had worked so hard to achieve the goal.
Image: FILE
AFC Leopard’s first-choice goalkeeper, Levis Opiyo, has pledged to work tirelessly to earn a spot in the starting lineup after receiving his maiden call-up to the national team Harambee Stars.
Opiyo expressed his happiness at being included in the 30-man provisional squad head coach Engin Firat unveiled last week ahead of a March 28 international friendly match against Iran.
The Turkish gaffer took notice of the goalkeeper following his outstanding performance while turning out for the 13-time Kenyan Premier League champions, AFC Leopards.
Opiyo has tipped Stars to reign supreme against their highly-rated opponents in Tehran, saying they possess the mojo to upset the form book.
“It is every player’s dream to wear the national colours at some point during his/her career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my country as a member of the national team and I’ll work hard to justify my inclusion in the team,” Opiyo said.
Opiyo stated that being called up to the national team had not taken him by surprise because he had worked so hard to achieve the goal.
“Not at all shocked that I was considered for a spot in the national team. I’m in one of the best phases of my career, particularly at the club level,” Opiyo added.
Opiyo believes Leopards will assert authority in the competition this season and it would be a grave error to underrate them.
“Our current position on the log speaks volumes about our chances of being title contenders this year. We are currently fifth and the point difference between us and leaders Gor Mahia is not very big.”
Opiyo stated that the current squad boasts sufficient depth to end the club’s 20-year title drought.
He said he is unfazed by the Fifa ban imposed last year which has prevented the club from plunging resources to bolster the squad.
Opiyo has urged his teammates to keep their laser-like focus as they toil to garnish their cabinet with the elusive top-flight silverware.
“We have some very young and brilliant players promoted from the academy side, who are thirsty to impress on the big stage. Their passion has driven us to our current position in the league,” Opiyo said.
Opiyo rose to the limelight after propelling Nairobi City Stars to the National Super League (NSL) title during the 2019/2020 season.
His impressive play landed him a contract with Wazito in the country’s top-tier league, but it wasn’t long before KPL rivals Gor Mahia came knocking for his services.
After a stint with the record champions, the agile keeper joined traditional arch-rivals, AFC Leopards, where he has managed to secure a role in the starting lineup for the last two seasons. He had previously donned the jerseys of the defunct Thika United in the KPL as well as Mahakama in the country’s Division One.