Gintra of Šiauliai continue building their squad and announce that 28-year-old Canadian striker Kiyani Johnson has extended her contract. She will again wear the yellow and black number-19 shirt in 2026.
The striker arrived before the 2025 season and made a striking debut in Lithuania. In her first official match she scored the team's opening goal and provided an assist. However, a serious knee cruciate ligament injury in only the second league match abruptly halted her season and began a long rehabilitation.
Throughout the difficult period, Gintra showed complete faith in her, maintaining contact, following her rehabilitation and providing every possible condition for a successful return. That trust is now formalised with a one-season extension.
'Last year was an enormous challenge, physically and emotionally. But I felt the club's support throughout, which gave me peace of mind and motivation. Gintra showed they believe in me as a person, not only a player. Continuing together was therefore an easy decision. I am hungry to return to the pitch, help the team again and show what I can do,' the striker said.
K. Johnson arrived with considerable international experience, having played in Greece and for multiple Czech champions Sparta Prague. The athletic player immediately demonstrated her pace, threat at the spearhead of the attack and ability to provide assists.
Club Director Mantas Radavičius said the decision reflected both her footballing qualities and her approach: 'Kiyani showed her potential within a few matches. Even while injured she remained extremely professional, disciplined and motivated. We saw her focused rehabilitation work and wanted her back in our colours. She has already proved she is a high-level player, and we believe in a smooth return to the pitch.'
The first official matches are planned for February in the Baltic League. Gintra face RFS of Riga on 15 February, followed by Saku Sporting in Estonia on 22 February.
