By Timothy Olobulu

Erick Masika, the second best Kenya Premier League defender in 2011 suprised both friend and foe when he made the decision to cross over from Gor Mahia to bitter rivals AFC Leopards. Being a darling of the K'ogalo faithful and nicknamed PPO for his no-nonsense and whole hearted defensive skills, no one expected him to move from the club to any other team in the local league.

"Yes, I have moved to AFC leopards and it is only the paper work that remains otherwise we have settled on personal terms with them. It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to take but I just had to make the decision. It was hard especially noting that next year Gor Mahia will be playing continental football and that would have been a good platform for me to get a step ahead. I decided however to make this move instead of yearning for continental action."

"It is good to get into new challenges and get out of your comfort zone. This is a new challenge and I am going to take it head on", Masika told Kenyanstar.

"I am very sorry to Gor Mahia fans for leaving them at this time but they should know that decisions are not always favorable to everyone. Sometimes we are happy, some times we are not. Gor Mahia has made me what I am today and they will forever hold a special place in my heart. To the fans, I will always cherish you and I thank you for the support", adds an emotional Masika.

The defender has now promised to do his best at his new club adding that he will need to work extra hard to ensure he gets a place in the starting 11 of Ingwe.

"There are very good defenders there and for me to get a place in the team, I muist work hard. Its not automatic for me. I want to tell Ingwe fans that I will give my best for the club and I will not let down their faith in me. I want to thank them for giving me this opportunity", he concludes.

Masika will commence training with Leopards as soon as the paperworks for his transfer are done.

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