Leopards sign teenage prodigy Luvanda

AFC Leopards have signed Chavakali High School prodigy Lawrence Luvanda on a long-term contract, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) club confirmed on Wednesday.

Luvanda’s star has been on the rise since he led Kigama High School to the Vihiga County Secondary Schools title in 2017, upsetting Vihiga High in the final where the teenage forward scored both goals in their 2-0 victory.

Chavakali then lured him from Kigama at the close of that year and played a central role in their team that went on to win the 2018 edition in Kaimosi.

Leopards Chairman Dan Mule told Citizen Digital they have offered Luvanda a five-year deal, making him their youngest player after they snatched the player from under the nose of Vihiga United.

“Our scouts have been tracking him and the report is he is great player with huge potential. A lot of clubs have shown interest in him so we decided to act fast.

“We expect him to start training with us during the holidays and join the squad on a full-time basis once he has completed his studies,” Mule said.

The Form Four student was attached to Candy Strikers, the amateur club based in Hamisi, Vihiga County and previously featured for Mathare United when they defeated Gor Mahia FC Under-20 in the 2016 Junior Championships.

Chavakali coach Gregory Luvai hailed Luvanda’s skill and technique and tipped him to break into for the Emerging Stars and even the senior Stars team  ‘soon’.

After sealing his second successive County title, Luvanda backed Chavakali to go all the way to the Nationals.