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Blow for Kenyan goalkeeper as his club suffers suspension in Zambia
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 03.04.26. | 16:57
Opiyo joined the Ndola-based club from Bandari
Harambee Stars goalkeeper, Levis Opiyo, has been handed a major blow as his club, Zesco United, one of Zambia’s most decorated football sides, has been suspended from league action for the remainder of the season.
The Ndola-based and nine-time Zambian Premier League champions confirmed the decision through official channels, sending shockwaves across Zambian football.
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The move comes barely four months after Opiyo joined the club on a two-year deal from Bandari FC, in what was seen as a major boost to Zesco United’s squad.
The suspension comes in the wake of a legal dispute over Zesco United’s exclusion from the ABSA Cup, despite having earned qualification on merit.
In the match staged at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka on 26 February, Zesco United defeated Zanaco FC 2-1, with goals from Elvis Bernard Addae and Amine Hiver securing their spot in the tournament.
The club says tournament rules were altered mid-competition and applied in a manner it described as “unjust,” resulting in its removal.
“ZESCO United lawfully participated in and won its qualifying fixture against Zanaco Football Club. However, subsequent to this result, the applicable rules governing qualification were altered and applied in a manner that went against the established rules, resulting in the club’s removal from the competition,” the club stated in an official communication.
Zesco United engaged the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), requesting that the Arbitration Tribunal convene to hear the dispute.
However FAZ dismissed the request as administrative, leaving the club with no choice but to approach the High Court of Zambia for reprive.
On 2nd April 2026, the High Court directed FAZ to convene the Arbitration Tribunal to resolve the matter.
In its statement, Zesco United, through acting CEO Mr James Ngoma, emphasized the club’s commitment to fairness and due process.
“The purported suspension is irregular and contrary to established disciplinary procedures. ZESCO United remains committed to resolving this matter through the appropriate football governance channels.
"We call upon our loyal supporters, partners, and stakeholders to remain calm, patient, and united behind the club during this period.
"The club will continue to uphold transparency and provide timely updates as developments unfold.” the statement continued.
The timing of the suspension could not be worse for the club and for Opiyo, who had only recently joined the Zambian side and who was beginning to settle in.
At the point of suspension, Zesco United was 11th in the 18-team league, with 31 points accumulated in a campaign already fraught with challenges.
For Opiyo, the suspension halts what was shaping up to be a critical step in his career abroad, leaving uncertainty over match fitness and competitive exposure for the remainder of the season.