17 Apr 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
Levis Opiyo
City stars keeper Levis 'Lovae' Opiyo

One on one with keeper Levis Opiyo

April 17, 2020

They call him Levis Opiyo Omondi, aka Lovae, a lad schooled by Thika United back in the years at Tetu High. In 2015, in his third and last year at the club, he was handed his big break by Briton Tim Bryett to debut in the Kenyan Premier League.

Detours to Western Stima and Posta Rangers in 2016 matured him to become Mathare United’s lead goalkeeper in 2017, his best season yet, which earned him a nomination to the end-of-year awards after tending goal in 27 of 34 games.

He may have missed on a podium finish in the awards but that firmly squeezed his resume through to Kenya’s rated keepers’ list.

If he wore no gloves you wouldn’t identify him as a keeper, for he is your perfect server and passer of the ball; he’s one that dribbles – at the back!

In August 2019 he arrived at Nairobi City Stars – a club he picked ahead of AFC Leopards – laden with new experience from Germany and Vihiga United.

His role model is Peter Pinchez Opiyo, his elder sibling, and incidentally, a current teammate at Nairobi City Stars.

He is discrete on what he wants in the near-turn – a place in Harambee Stars. And he’s crystal clear on one thing; he can never be a coach!

City Stars: Share with us your football journey while in school (Pri, Sec) and how you arrived at club football

Levis: I schooled at the Kenyatta Primary School in Thika before moving to Kabuyefwe Friends High School. In form 2 I moved my schooling to Central Province soccer powerhouse Tetu High.

My football star started shining while at Kenyatta Primary School where I was the only one to reach the National ball games, twice. That made me an attraction to High Schools that all offered me scholarships.

At Tetu High, we emerged champions of Central region in 2010 and 2011 to qualify for the National school games.

City Stars: Your early years were at Thika United. How was that initiation for you into Premier League football and at what point dd you start looking beyond Thika for playtime?

While at Tetu High School there was this Safaricom Sakata Ball tournament that was played in 2010 and 2011. I featured in the two tournaments and emerged as the best goalkeeper on both occasions (with Shimanzi in 2010 and with AC Thika in 2011).

That convinced my home team Thika United, who had been watching me keenly, to snap me up. They offered me a full Scholarship. And that’s how I joined the Premier League.

During those days the Kenyan Premier League was very tough. And for a lad straight out of High School it was even tougher.

Thika officially registered me for the Premier League in January 2013 and to help me grow, considering goal keepers Lukas Indeche, Zamu Adisa and Joel Bataro were in their ranks, they sent me to second tier side Mahakama FC (together with winger Francis Chege, midfielder Michael Bodo, striker Fahim Mohammed) on a six-month loan to gain experience.

At Mahakama it never took me time before I started featuring in games and by the end of my loan the team was firmly at the top of its league. But the loan was not renewed and I returned to Thika where I slowly began to make the bench in second leg games.

In my last season at Thika United (2015), British coach (Tim Bryett) was announced as head coach and it didn’t take him long to realize my capabilities. He handed me valuable games and I ended that season having featured in 13 games.

After that season I moved to Posta Rangers for six months then to Western Stima for the remainder of that season. In 2017 I graduated to become Mathare United’s lead keeper. I then returned to Rangers for the 2018 season onward.

City Stars: What has been your best season yet while in with the Premier League

Lovae: Definitely 2017 in one of the best-known club in Kenya – Mathare United.

While at the club I met the best coach in Kenya (Francis Kimanzi) who likes to play ball from back. That really made me happy because that is my strong point. He gave me confidence and encouraged me every time to play that way.

So game by game I grew my performance and ended up playing 27 of the 34 games that season and it was little wonder I got nominated for the season-ending goalkeeper of the year award. I emerged fourth.

City Stars: At some point you left the local scene to join a club in Germany. When was that and what was the experience like? Why did you return back to Kenya?

Yes, that was in 2018. I left Posta Rangers and headed out to Germany for trials and signed for a club known as Fortuna Babelsberg which was playing in the lower tier.

The experience was good; I learnt a lot but the league was not competitive enough because of the tier they were playing in. Due to funds, lack of, I decided to return home after the season to join Vihiga United on a short-term deal to the end of the 2018/19 season.

City Stars: Why a keeper? You look like you could slot into any position upfield

Ha ha. I started football as a midfielder at 10 years of age at Islamic Youth Academy (later named Fullchester). One day in a certain tournament our goalkeeper didn’t appear and my coach Beto asked around; “Who can play as keeper?”

“I can,” I said. And I found it so interesting. And that’s how I transformed from an upfield player to a goalkeeper.

City Stars: You arrived at City Stars weeks into their preseason in July 2019. Why the late arrival and what informed your decision to join them? What was the attraction in the NSL?

Yes. That time I was at AFC Leopards waiting to seal a deal but I heard about City Stars targets and how they were recruiting experienced players. I was made aware they had a good structure, a good set plan, and that’s when I decided to join.

Interestingly the coach (Sanjin Alagic) was convinced I was the kind he wanted during a friendly game against AFC Leopards at Hope Centre.

At City Stars I met many players whom I had worked with in different teams earlier, others that I had played against. That made it easy for me to settle.

City Stars: As a keeper, you are judged by your command from the back and a key indicator of your performance is clean sheets. Name some of the defenders that have helped you fail to concede goals

Levis: Yes as a keeper you must have a good understanding with your defenders so that they protect you well. I am happy I have heard a chance to play with top brave defenders in the league. They include Joash Onyango and Maurice Ojwang at Western Stima, George Wise Owino at Mathare United, Collins Okumu, Joakins Atudo, and Charles Odete at Posta Rangers, Bernard Ochieng at Vihiga United (now Wazito) and Salim Shitu Abdalla at City Stars.

City Stars: You are known to be a ‘dribbling’ keeper. Is that your style of play? Isn’t it risky to keep passing the ball at the back?

Levis: Hahahahaha. Yes that’s my style of play. Of course, it’s risky but again you have to believe in your capabilities, and for me that’s what I believe in; playing from back although you must be very keen.

Luckily, I have found coaches (Francis Kimanzi and Sanjin Alagic) who encourage their keepers to play like that.

City Stars: Share some of the objectives you aim to achieve while at City Stars

Levis: At the moment in City Stars we are doing good and topping the NSL. My aim is to see them maintain the top spot, win the league and earn promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.

City Stars: As a keeper, some forwards just keep you on edge. Name some of the nightmarish strikers who have come up against you

Levis: Michael Olunga, Meddie Kagere, Jacques Tuyisenge, and Dan Sserunkuma are certainly on that list.

City Stars: Who do you look up to?

Levis: My brother, always my brother (Pinchez). Because he advises me all the time and he pushes me a lot. When I make mistakes, he corrects me. And when I make the right decisions, he applauds me.

City Stars: Your personal targets as a keeper?  

Levis: To play for the National team – Harambee Stars. I believe in myself and I know I have all it takes to be there.

When I was in Germany recently I couldn’t land a higher-tier team as I had no international caps. That kept me thinking and I promised myself I would shift extra gears to break into the national team.

In the last few international games, we have seen a regular interchange of goalkeepers at the National front which gives me hope that with improved performance I can also contest a position at Harambee Stars. That will crown my career as well as give me a better chance of breaking abroad.

City Stars: What do you do on your rest days?

Levis: I don’t particularly have off days as I always go to the gym and then later I relax at home.

City Stars: Favorite food?

Levis; Kuku, Chapati, Ugali, Rice and Goat meat. And fresh juice

City Stars: Which goalkeepers do you look upon and why?

Levis: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona) and Ederson (Manchester City) – because we play the same style

City Stars: Football comes to an end one day. When that day comes what will you venture into and what initiatives have you made towards that course?

Levis: We have seen some players end their careers miserably, but I don’t want to end mine that way.

One thing is clear; I do not want to be a coach, but plan to be a manager in a team, or in a business. Soon I will head to school to pursue what will help me manage people.

12 Apr 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
Davis Agesa
Davis Agesa

One on one with striker Davis Agesa

April 12, 2020

Call him an introvert, for so few words leave his mouth. You may never know what striker Davis Amuyunzu Agesa is thinking.

But on the field, the six-foot-three front rover is a bully, a bulldozer of back lines due to his speed and power that most people have asked him to relocate to Ngong road – to play rugby!

That’s a debrief of Kawangware Primary and Kaimosi Boys alumnus, a committed member of Nairobi City Stars front row over the last few years.

The graduate of Vapor Sports Academy in Kawangware, who was once in the ranks of Kenyan Premier League side Thika United in 2018, talks to us about his football journey, his professional stints in Seychelles and East India and the downside of a career threatening knee injury from Asia.

He’s a sure starter for City Stars this season with six goals, five assists and four MVPs awards to show for it in 23 games played.

In his words, he says he’s a ‘beast’, a Lion, and no defender has ever stood in his way . . .

City Stars: Share your background from Primary to High School

Agesa: I started my kindergarten at a private school (Emmanuel Academy) then moved on to a public school (Kawangware Primary School) for my primary education for eight successive years. Later on, I proceeded to Kaimosi Boys High School for my Secondary education.

City Stars: Share with us your football journey in high school and how far that took you (provincials, nationals)

Agesa: While in High school this is where my football career escalated because in Primary School, I played little football even though outside school I was an academy player at His-Majesty Foundation.

During year one in High School it was impossible to get through to the school team due to a great talent pool.

I had already joined Vapor Sports Academy in Kawangware as I went to High School but even then the minimal Academy experience I had acquired was not enough. But my breakthrough came in form 2 as I joined the school team.

Kaimosi High was dominant at the District and Regional levels but the Provincial level always proved tough due to the presence of big boys such as Chavakali High School and Vihiga High School.

In my last year in school – form 4 –I got offers to join Vihiga Allstars as well as Chavakali High School but I turned both down.

City Stars: Tell us how you arrived at City Stars and how your early years in club football was

Agesa:  I joined City Stars from Vapor FC under the guidance of Coach John Amboko who enhanced my development from the academy level. It was in the middle of the season just right at the start of second leg in June 2017.

I quickly adjusted to the competitiveness of the National Super League (NSL) and earned a spot in the first team right away and bagged a brace in my second match against Migori Youth leading City Stars to a 2-1 win.

Help from the coach and fellow teammates who supported me since my early days made me feel at home at City Stars.

City Stars: We are made to understand you played outside the country in India and Seychelles for sometime. Please share your adventure with us. Do you aspire to return abroad?

Agesa: It was a whole new experience at the professional level in Seychelles. Different type of players, different type of mentality, but same football though on a very different environment which was tough due to high humidity.

This was in 2015 when I signed a one-year contract with Revengers FC. I stayed at the club for six-months but terminated the contract on mutual consent due to financial struggles at the club. I then returned to Vapor Sports.

I late 2018 I was to join Baridhara in East India (Bangaldesh) but that didn’t go well as I suffered an LCL knee injury while playing preseason tournaments. It was a my first major injury and a major setback and I struggled to recover from it. I never even got to sign a contract for Baridhara.

So I’d say yeah, with the experience I have now I aspire to return abroad at a professional level. From my past travel I learned and gained a lot which I believe got me to grow to a better player.

I believe I have the quality to deserve an opportunity abroad and when it arrives I’ll always be waiting at the dock, ready.

City Stars: Tell us your worst moments while at City Stars

Agesa: My worst moment at City Stars has to be a period which I traveled back from East India with that knee injury.

I had left the team on high (before joining Thika United in early 2018) but upon return I found a struggling lot and right at the bottom of the NSL table. It was heartbreaking and I felt helpless with my knee injury.

But as soon as I started feeling better (not fully recovered though) I did try to put in a fight for the team. We did well and at the end of the season we escaped the NSL red zone.

City Stars: Some fans have said your have too much power and speed and you should consider a place in the Kenya Rugby 7s squad. Your thoughts?

Agesa: Ha ha ha. If I am able to multitask then why not go for it? I would probably excel there  . . . . . . . . But then again maybe I’d be referred to boxing (ha ha ha) when am in rugby. Truth be told, I was made for football so I’d rather stick to my lane.

City Stars: What can you say of the current City Stars setup; new management, the quality in the team and would you say this is the year the team will go up to the KPL?

Agesa: I have to give all the appreciation to Mr. Jonathan Jackson & the co-team (Foundation) for the new set-up that has massively improved the welfare of the players and outlook of the club.

With a new international gaffer Sanjin Alagic and the assistance of technical bench we have improved immensely and without a doubt I can say we are a quality team in our tier.

With this managerial setup I feel we are cut out for better things in years to come. If I go by the results and the performance we’ve pulled in so far, then this has to be the year Nairobi City Stars will go to the KPL. The top guns there should expect us.

City Stars: You play as a striker, no. 10 and right winger. What is you preferred position?

Agesa: In High School I was a deep lying attacking midfielder featuring predominantly as a no. 10 position creating/assisting/scoring goals while in a pivotal role to the buildup.

Over the years I have been lucky to be managed by different type of coaches/trainees all of whom have had different tactics/approaches to the games.

That means I’ve been deployed at different positions of attacking as I have the quality to adjust to any of them. But the one position I feel at home with is as a striker.

City Stars: As a forward you have to contend with mean defenders. Who are some of those that cause you nightmares?

Agesa: I have faced tough opponents, but I can’t point out the mean one who stands out from the rest because I always beast my way around. So far no nightmares yet because I am a Lion.

City Stars: Who inspires you the most at City Stars

Agesa: I find every single player at City Stars as an inspiration in different ways because I look at each of them from a different perspective.

But I’d say the one who stands out the most in the team has to be our goalkeeper Levis Opiyo (Lovae) because of his winning mindset, professionalism and passion for the game.

The good thing is that he happens to be one of my closest friends in the team as we have good relationship; he pushes me to perform and I push him as well.

City Stars: Locally, which player(s) do you look up to?

Agesa: Has to be former national striker Allan Wanga and current striker Micheal Olunga

City Stars: When not training and playing football what else occupies your time?

Agesa: When I’m not in the field I’m at home resting as I spend time with my family, watching TV a lot & playing some FIFA games.

City Stars: Finally, when you hang your boots someday, what will you venture into? 

Agesa: When I finally wave goodbye to playing I wanna be in a position where I’ll be able to give back to the football society. Basically, I will still revolve around football because football is what I live, lived, for.

11 Apr 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink

City Stars players turn to community caregivers

April 11, 2020

On Wednesday and Easter Friday, Nairobi City Stars players put behind their footballers’ tags to serve several communities across the City of Nairobi.

Led by skipper Noah Abich, his assistant Calvin Masawa and field captain Anthony Kimani, a long list of active players joined hands with team owner and sponsor Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) to lend a hand in distributing food hampers to the vulnerable families in Kibera and Deep Sea in Parklands.

This is in the wake of the Corona Virus pandemic that, from mid-March 2020, disrupted operational norms not only in the country but across the globe.

JJF joined hands with Team Pankaj who on their own accord rallied major corporates to contribute food stuff and other household items towards the noble idea.

Speaking on the same, Jonathan Jackson, the chair of both City Stars and JFF said;

“With a reset from normal life there are communities that are adversely affected by the Corona Virus pandemic. A work-from-home call by the Government that has been heeded by many as a way to contain the spread of virus has left many a common person without a livelihood. These are part of reasons we are joining hands with the likes of Team Pankaj and the helpful hands of City Stars players to distribute foodstuffs to the most hit communities. We have done this across the week and hope to continue in days to come.” he added

Commenting on the same, Abich who led the team in distributing the hampers on Wednesday across different centers said;

“This is a worthy cause and when we were informed there was work to be done, we quickly availed ourselves for that purpose,”

“The Corona Virus has affected many families as home providers are now temporarily jobless due to a shutdown to many earning opportunities. We will continue to lend a hand to JJF as I thank all those that have come forward to donate and put a smile to these families.”

Masawa who led another team back to Kibera and Deep Sea on Friday said;

“With our league on hold due to Corona Virus we have now turned our focus to serve the community and are working hand in hand with JFF to see to it that we put a smile to the most affected families across different communities.”

A final comment came from the team CEO Korir who said; “I must thank Team Pankaj for minding the society during this hard times. Their generosity is simply second to none. As they provide the goodies, my team and I, and in conjunction with JJF, will always be at hand to deliver the same to the most deserving in the communities.”

Other than the distribution, the City Stars team has also been actively involved in packaging of the hampers at Team Pankaj’s Pack House in Westlands.

Midfielders Charles Otieno, Elvis Ojiambo and Oliver Maloba, keeper Ronny Kagunzi, left back Wesley Onguso and striker Ezekiel Odera, team trainer Arthur Museve and CEO Korir were part of the Wednesday team.

Right back Kevin Okumu, defender Edwin Buliba and winger David Gateri joined in on Friday as Maloba, Kimani and Odera took a break. More players will be activated in days to come.

08 Apr 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars
Eric Ochieng (No. 13), Noah Abich, Tedian Atuto (No. 6), Levis Opiyo (in orange)

Second schedule of home workouts

April 8, 2020

City Stars players have been put on a second schedule of work-from-home exercises as Corona Virus pandemic continues to render normal programming an impossibility.

With Covid-19 still in our wake, and with league games still suspended indefinitely, head coach Sanjin Alagic has rolled on to a second set of home workouts for all players.

Stabilization exercises such as various planks, strength exercises ranging from weighted squats, push ups, etal, running as well as selected technical exercises for the rest of April, are all part of the second schedule which is an advancement of the first schedule issued out in the third week of March. The fresh one overruns the former.

In observation of Ministry of Health guidelines, no player is allowed to visit any public places to have their workouts.

According to the coach, home workouts “will continue till a time when normalcy returns.”

05 Apr 2020
NCS, Team News Permalink
Nairobi City Stars, Masawa
Calvin Masawa in a past game for Nairobi City Stars against Vihiga Bullets in Feb 2020 at Camp Toyoyo

One on one with fullback Calvin Masawa

April 5, 2020

No player in the current lot understands Nairobi City Stars better than one Calvin Okoth Masawa.

The right footer, who recently extend his stay by another two years to the end of the 2021/22 season, surprisingly prefers to play as a left back – he tells us why – has been in the ranks of the Kawangware based club since 2011 after joining from Migori.

In his decade at City Stars, Masawa has featured for no less than 18 coaches. He started out under tactician Kennedy Odhiambo and is now under the eyes of Bosnian Sanjin Alagic.

Beyond the lengthy instructions he has soaked in form the endless list of coaches, he has seen players come and go, was in the team when it suffered relegation from the Kenyan Premier League, and almost from the second tier during the transitional 2018/19 season.

Why hasn’t he ever moved from City Stars ten years later even when things were at their worst?

And when he finally calls hangs his boots, what next?

Give us your background from primary to high school

I am Calvin Okoth Masawa and my early primary days was just a normal one; that’s from 1998 to 2005 at Assar Johansson Primary School back in Migori town.

 Later I joined Migori Boys High School where I studied for free as I was on full scholarship due to football

Share with us your football journey in high school and how far that took you (provincials, nationals)

My football journey in high school was a good one because we used to dominate up to the District level where we faced stronger opponents in the likes of Kanga High School, Kodero Bara Secondary and Manyata High school. 

 But there came a breakthrough year in 2007 where we beat fancied Manyata High at the district level to represent Migori District at the provincials.

 The following year we followed suit and  beat Migori Day Secondary for a second stab at the provincials where we fell to St. Marks Mokorogoinwa from Kisii in the semi-finals having eliminated powerhouse and national defending champs Kisumu Day Secondary where Enock Agwanda scored the winning penalty.

Tell us how you arrived at City Stars and how your early years at the clubs were

I arrived at City Stars in 2011 as an amateur. I remember it was through a friendly match organised by one Mr Samson Obonyo (Aspirant Nyatike Constituency) – who later became the club Secretary – and former Nairobi City Stars Chairman Mr Peter Jabuya.

 We had traveled from Migori for that one friendly to give is a taste of what a Kenyan Premier League opposition was like. The match was played at City Stadium and we lost 6-0. I remember coming on as a substitute in the 75th min and 15 mins was all I needed for the then Coach Ken Odhiambo to notice me. And that’s how I joined City Stars.

Being an amateur and inexperienced it wasn’t easy getting in the first 18 because we had established and seasoned players in the team. That made me gain some experience. In the meanwhile, I featured for the u19s side where we played in the first edition of KPL U19. I was the Captain.

You have featured under no less than 17 coaches at City Stars. Tell us some of your favorites coaches from that lot

Indeed I have featured under so many coaches at City Stars. Some of the best being Coach Ken Odhiambo, Paul Nkata, Robert Matano, John “Bobby” Ogola, Bai Wadda, Jimmy Kintu and my current coach Sanjin Alagic

City Stars was relegated in 2016 after just surviving in 2014. What was the feeling?

In football relegation is always players lowest moments and it wasn’t different with me being that since I started playing professional football, I only knew one level and that was Kenyan Premier League.

 I was so devastated by the relegation and even thought of quitting football because I couldn’t imagine playing in the lower tier. But later on, through encouragement, I decided to go down with the team knowing that one day we will be back to the top tier.

 You have a lethal right foot but play as a left back. How comes?

When we played City Stars in that particular friendly match in 2011 I had come in as a substitute for a left back because I had a good left foot too. Everyone including Coach Ken assumed that I was only left footed and as the years went by I perfected playing at the left back and could easily slot in when called upon to date

 I do confuse a lot of people and Coaches and coaches with that but the truth of the matter is I can comfortably slot at both left and right back as I am a right back by default.

 It’s been five seasons of trying to return to the KPL. Do you believe at the end of this season that will be the end of trying?

It’s been hard actually playing in the lower leagues but we have been pushing each season knowing that at the end we will go back where we rightfully belong and that’s the Kenyan Premier League.

 Many a times they do say that “Numbers don’t lie” and indeed our numbers this season in points, goals and position justify that so I believe “WE ARE GOING UP”.

From April 2019 the club management changed. Tell us how different it has been since then

Honestly there has been a new breath of life at the club since the new management came on. I remember going for months without salaries, unsettled allowances and sometimes even lacking a training ground.

That’s contrary to the present where we have the best kits, balls, equipment and proper motivation in terms of allowances and salaries. Personally, as the longest serving player now captain I say a BIG THANK YOU to Chairman Jonathan Jackson (JJ) and the entire JJ Foundation.

I cannot fail to mention former Chairman Mr Peter Jabuya. He played a big part/role to make sure this mighty club stay afloat all those years without sponsorship until a time he handed it over to then new able management.

As a fullback share with us the wingers that have caused you hell

During my early days in KPL I remember I had I nightmare making Danson Kago; he was such a fast and skillful player. Others are Clifton Miheso, Moses Mudavadi and Lawrence Owino.

Which players do you admire most in the local scene?

Fast I admire myself (he laughs). Joash Onyango and Atariza Meja Amayi

Will you retire at City Stars?

Of course, yes I would love to retire at City Stars. I want to create a rare history in Kenyan Football as a one-man club and that can be made possible by hard work and with the help of the management.

 When not doing football what keeps you busy?

I am not an outgoing person so mostly I spend my time at home on net digging and reading past football articles and archival material because when I hang up my boots I will venture into sports journalism, analysis and commentary.

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