Owiti, who joined Ingwe in 2017, pointed out reasons that made him sign the AFC Leopards deal quickly without further delay.
“I feel great again to be part of the team,” the forward said upon renewing the contract. “AFC Leopards have always been my home which made it easy on the decision about renewing my contract.
“My target is to give my best and help the team win the league title and other cups.
Owiti also promised the fans of good times ahead even as they continue to support the team away from the pitch.
“To the fans, I thank you for your continued support and I hope this season you will support us even more despite your absence from the stadium [due to Covid-19],” he added.
The home side made other changes in the 48th minute when Masuta Masita and Bernard Ongoma were rested and their places were taken by Oscar Wamalwa and Boniface Okinyi.
Bidco United’s Anthony Akhulia also made changes as Lambert Otieno and Pistone Mutamba left the pitch while Orem David and Erick Githimu came on.
John Kago would have opened the score in favour of Ulinzi Stars in the 62nd minute after he was put through by Daniel Wawru but his shot went slightly wide.
Both teams failed to get a game-changing opener and ended up sharing points despite the end-to-end attacks in either half.
“It was a difficult match given everything that has happened in the lead-up to our first game of the season and I cannot fault my players for the loss. They gave everything and as a coach that is what you want.”
The tactician said it would not be enough to judge Mathare United solely on the margin of loss since they had brilliant moments on the pitch against the 2009 Premier League champions.
“The scoreline looks as if we were played off the pitch but that just wasn’t the case,” the tactician added.
“We caused Sofapaka plenty of problems going forward, especially in the second half and we were almost close to sealing an incredible comeback with the score at 3-2, but sadly it never quite happened.”
The hosts created yet another promising chance in the 13th minute but Nicholas Meja’s attempt hit the woodwork and the ball went out as Western Stima got a minute to re-strategise against a determined opponent.
Kenga again was in the middle of a well-engineered move in the 17th minute when he manoeuvred along the right-wing and outfoxed Baron Oketch before he laid the ball on William Wadri’s path. The Ugandan could not get an opener though as he shot wide despite having no opponent close.
Bandari, who are yet to confirm a new head coach – although they are in talks with Casa Mbungo – since Ken Odhiambo left for Sofapaka, wasted another chance in the 20th minute. Danson Chetambe dribbled past a number of Western Stima opponents, squared the ball for Mohamed Siraj and the midfielder put a low cross in to Darius Msagha but the forward failed to tap home from close range.