AFC Leopards defender Yusuf Mainge has joined the list of players that have traded the blue and white jersey for the green of eternal rivals Gor Mahia.The right-back has inked a two-year deal with the record league champions and is set to bolster their right-back options that has Philemon Otieno and Frank Odhiambo who has played as a makeshift full-back.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Mainge confirmed the deal hinting that the financial struggles at Ingwe influenced his move to Gor Mahia who have also had their share of money issues. Centre back duties for Yusuf Nasr MaingeVs Vihiga United ✅Vs Ulinzi Stars ✅Vs KCB FC ✅#Betsafe#OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/iQuIShZuFm— AFC Leopards (@AFCLeopards) August 19, 2021 “Yes, I have completed my move to Gor Mahia, I was in talks with the club while I still had a contract with AFC Leopards but after terminating my contract I decided to join Gor Mahia,”“It was a difficult decision but in football, you have to go where you feel you are okay because this is also a career,” said Mainge after making the move.The defender was used sparingly by AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems with Lewis Bandi preferred ahead of him but he featured as a centre back in a number of games.The Kakamega High School alumnus renewed his deal with Ingwe back in January 2021. He first joined the club straight from high school back in December 2017. The 21-year-old marauding fullback also took to social media to pen a heartfelt letter to AFC Leopards, thanking the club for handing him a platform while he was starting his career. “It’s time to say goodbye to AFC Leopards. I don’t know where to begin but I leave this club as a proper player having joined as a young boy from secondary school,”AFC Leopards bid for Miheso and Makwatta after influx of new money“Leopards gave me the first real chance of proper football where I had a taste of continental football and worked with some of the best coaches and players. We might have not achieved everything we wanted but enjoyed every bit of my stay there,”“I want to thank those we shared with the pitch with, the club management, and everyone who was associated with the club. I’ll forever cherish the times we shared together,” read Mainge’s post. Another player on the verge of a similar move is Clifton Miheso who is rumoured to be close to completing a move to the den.
