Goalkeeper Sophy Akinyi targets Greek top-flight return with AO Trikala

Goalkeeper Sophy Akinyi targets Greek top-flight return with AO Trikala - Goalkeeper Sophy Akinyi Opula. (Photo: Opula)

The Kenyan shot-stopper will now look to play a key role in Trikala’s push for promotion, with the club having started its campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Panetolikos before drawing 1-1 with Atromitos Zarouchleikon.

Kenyan goalkeeper Sophy Akinyi Opula has set her sights on helping AO Trikala 2011 secure promotion back to Greece’s top flight after completing her move to the club.

Akinyi, who joined the Greek second-division side following her stint in Cyprus, says she wants to make an immediate impact as the club bids to return to the First Division.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper is also targeting more clean sheets as she looks to establish herself in her new surroundings.

“I would expect to work hard and move to the first division now that the team is playing in the second division and for me as goalkeeper to keep more clean sheets and to help the team this season,” Akinyi told The Eastleigh Voice. “Basically, to take the team to a better level than I found it.”

AO Trikala were relegated from the Greek Women’s First League at the end of the 2025/26 season and are now competing in the Second Division, Group B.

Akinyi has already had a taste of the new environment and admits the weather has been one of the biggest adjustments since her arrival in Trikala.

Latest Stories

  • African countries could save billions by cutting air pollution and greenhouse gases at the same time
  • Nominated Senator Crystal Asige joins Winnie Odinga and Jalang’o in Nairobi Senate race
  • Tusker FC suffer home defeat as Singida strike puts CAF Confederation Cup hopes at risk
  • Ecuadorian priest dies after giant wooden crucifix crashes down on him during live-streamed Mass

“I feel good. I feel excited being in a place I have never been before; I’m thrilled to be here,” she said.

“For the environment, it’s good. Although the city is small, I love the environment, although the weather is not as pleasant. It’s been rainy, and it’s very cold given that we are close to the mountains. I think that’s why it’s extra cold.”

Despite the change in surroundings, Akinyi says the reception from her new teammates and the technical bench has made the transition much easier.

“The club is very good. The bond is there from the teammates to the technical bench. They are making me feel very good and very comfortable as well. They are making me feel like I’m at home although very far from home,” she said. “I love being with them. We laugh a lot during the trainings. I love the club as a whole.”

Akinyi’s move to Greece marks another step in her international career after playing in the Cypriot league with Lakatamia.

She was unveiled by AO Trikala as their new goalkeeper, with the club highlighting her previous achievements in Kenya, including winning the Golden Glove in 2023.

The Kenyan shot-stopper will now look to play a key role in Trikala’s push for promotion, with the club having started its campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to Panetolikos before drawing 1-1 with Atromitos Zarouchleikon.

Akinyi has also thanked her supporters back home for standing by her throughout her career and believes their encouragement, alongside the prayers of her family, has helped shape her journey.

“To my fans in Kenya, thank you for always believing in me, thank you for your support the entire time. You mean a lot to my family and me back at home,” she said.

“The push every time has built me up a lot, and for my family, their prayers are really working. My friends challenged me a lot, and for that I’m grateful. Thank you to everyone who has been with me.”