Kenyan goalkeeper Sophy Akinyi Opula is targeting promotion to Greece’s top flight after completing a move to second-division side AO Trikala 2011.
The 23-year-old joined the Greek club following her spell with Cypriot side Lakatamia and hopes to make an immediate impact as Trikala seeks to return to the First Division.
Akinyi is also aiming to record more clean sheets while establishing herself in her new team.
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“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 said.
“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 said she was excited about beginning a new chapter in a country and environment she had not experienced before, although the weather has presented an adjustment.
“I feel good. I feel excited being in a place I have never been before; I’m thrilled to be here,” she said.
The goalkeeper described Trikala as a welcoming city but noted that the cold and rainy conditions had been challenging.
“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,” she said.
Akinyi said the support she has received from her teammates and the technical bench has helped her settle into the club.
“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.
She added that the positive atmosphere during training sessions had made the transition easier.
“I love being with them. We laugh a lot during the trainings. I love the club as a whole,” she said.
The move to AO Trikala marks another step in Akinyi’s international career after her time with Lakatamia in Cyprus.
When unveiling her as a new goalkeeper, Trikala highlighted her previous achievements in Kenya, including winning the Golden Glove award in 2023.
The Kenyan shot-stopper now hopes to play a key role in the club’s promotion campaign.
According to the supplied report, Trikala began its campaign with a 2-0 away defeat to Panetolikos before drawing 1-1 with Atromitos Zarouchleikon.
Akinyi’s performances will be important as the team seeks to improve its results and challenge for a return to the top division.
Despite moving abroad to pursue her football career, Akinyi has acknowledged the role played by her family, friends and supporters in Kenya.
She thanked those who have continued to encourage her throughout her journey, saying their support has helped her remain motivated.
“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.”
As she settles into life in Greece, Akinyi’s immediate focus is on improving her performances, keeping clean sheets and helping AO Trikala pursue promotion to the Greek Women’s First League.
