Managers from both sides have aired their respective sentiments as record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia and their eternal nemesis AFC Leopards meet in a crunchy Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The particular cracker which pits the two most successful clubs in Kenya’s football history comes at a time when it matters the most to league leaders Gor Mahia unlike the ninenth-placed Leopards.
K’Ogalo will be seeking to grab maximum points against Ingwee to maintain their top of the table status and reduce the pressure piled up on them by second-placed Tusker FC. Gor Mahia are leading the FKF Premier League charts with 63 points in 29 outings, two ahead of title-chasing Tusker who have also played 29 matches this season.
On the other hand, AFC Leopards in ninenth position will have less pressure other than trying to break their winless jinx against Gor Mahia since 2016. The first leg meeting between the two FKF Premier League giants ended in a barren draw at the same facility on January 29, 2023.
In their previous league assignments, Gor Mahia were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Wazito FC in Muhoroni while AFC Leopards rallied to beat Nzoia Sugar 1-0 at Nyayo Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the eye-catching encounter, Gor Mahia coach Johnathan Mckinstry is keen on getting maximum points from the derby even as he understands it will not be an easy task playing their arch rivals with points and bragging rights at stake.
“The boys are eager. We’re going in there wanting the three points, but we will have to work for them,” the former Uganda Cranes coach said.
On his part, AFC Leopards tactician Patrick Aussems has hinted at rotating his squad with an eye on the league cup semis against Kakamega Homeboyz as Ingwee surrender the FKF Premier League title race.
“I only have 19 players in the group, and I want everyone to be fit until the end of the season. Some of them did not play a lot in the last few weeks, and I have decided to give them minutes. I will keep changing the team for the league games, including the derby, because we want to have a ready team for the Cup game,” he stated.
Meanwhile, home side Gor Mahia have released the Mashemeji Derby ticketing information. VIP tickets will go for KES 500 while regular tickets will be sold at KES 200.
The last Mashemeji Derby was arguably well attended as fans are urged to fill Nyayo Stadium during Kenya’s biggest football fixture of the 2022/2023 calendar this Sunday.
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