The defender, who rose through Leopards’ youth system, had been widely tipped to captain the team this term before news of his departure broke on Tuesday

Former AFC Leopards Team Manager Benard Onyango has defended right back Lewis Bandi after his stunning transfer to bitter rivals Gor Mahia.

The former Mumias Sugar forward says the youngster made the right choice for his career.

Bandi was named AFC Leopards’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024/25 season, but shocked fans when he was unveiled as K’Ogalo’s latest signing on a two-year deal.

The defender, who rose through Leopards’ youth system, had been widely tipped to captain the team this term, before news of his departure broke on Tuesday.

The announcement sparked widespread criticism from Ingwe fans, with some directing their anger at club chairman Boniface Ambani, who admitted the club had struggled to trace the player in recent days.

However, Onyango, who served Leopards during the Jan Koops era, believes the right back made a professional decision.

“As a player, you go where you will be paid and where you see a future.

For me, I welcome Bandi’s move,” Onyango told Mozzart Sport on the sidelines of the ongoing FEASSSA Games at Kakamega High School.