Eternal rivals Gor, Leopards clash at Kasarani

An AFC Leopards fan cheers his team during their Kenyan Premier League match against Gor Mahia at Kasarani on February 9, 2019. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT |

What you need to know:

  • Gor have played two matches less than their opponents.

It used to be the fixture that brought the whole nation to a standstill. The winner of the furiously contested ties was almost assured of going all the way to be crowned Kenyan champions.

Christened the Mashemeji derby, the fixture might not have the allure, identity and even defining moments it used to have in the last three decades, but the urge to grab the bragging rights has never been eroded.

Champions Gor Mahia host eternal rivals AFC Leopards in the first installation of the Mashemeji derby on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani with both teams out to make an early statement.

A win for either side - who are tied on 15 points with Gor second and Leopards in third place - will catapult them to the summit of the standings should leaders Tusker falter against KCB on Saturday. Gor have played two matches less than their opponents.

Gor come into this match in the wake of two successive defeats - a 2-1 loss to DC Motema Pembe in Kinshasa which ended their participation in the Caf Confederation Cup and a 1-0 defeat to Mathare United in the Kenyan Premier League - while Leopards played to a 0-0 draw against Ulinzi Stars in their last league outing.

Last season, K'Ogalo hit Ingwe home and away but in overall, it is Leopards who have dominated the derby – in 88 league meetings, they have won 26 times, three times more than Gor while the rivals have drawn 39 times.

Looking at the recent head-to-head record, Gor Mahia have an upper hand and this is something that AFC Leopards are eager to change. Team Manager Tom Juma says the team is in good shape.

“We have prepared very well and going for a win. In recent derbies we have had challenges especially with injuries to key players but at the moment we have a full squad to choose from and that gives us confidence heading into this match,” the former Kenyan International said.

SLOW START

AFC Leopards have overcame a lethargic start to the season and are currently third on the KPL standings after eight matches. Juma attributes this to the signing of quality players especially striker John Mark Makwata who has so far scored five goals and the arrival of custodian Benjamin Ochan.

“We lacked a typical striker but Makwata has been impressive since he came in. Ochan too has done a good job and I think the two have given us the additional punch we have been lacking. The unity in the team too has played a key role and I think the team has gelled well now. Football is a process and you have to be patient, put in the work and the results will come,” Juma said.

Leopards captain Robinson Kamura, who only resumed training three weeks ago, echoed the team manager’s sentiments: “We have good players in the team now and the competition for places is very high in every department which is good for the team. There are bragging rights in the derby as well as the crucial three points to be won – the spirit in the team is fantastic heading into the game and we are very eager to win. Gor has dominated the recent meetings and we have to change the narrative.”

FIRST DERBY

This will be Steven Polack’s first Mashemeji derby in charge at Gor Mahia and he says he is aware of the importance of the game.

“Nobody likes to lose and we have put that (loss to Mathare) behind already. I have been involved in derbies before as a player and as a coach and I know what it means to the players, coaches and fans," Polack said.

"Playing in front of 40,000–50,000 fans in itself is motivation enough for every single player to perform well. The adrenaline streams down from the stands to the players and even the coaches. I expect a tough but entertaining game and I call upon the fans to turn out in large numbers to push and encourage us throughout the match.”

The team will however be without right-back Wellington Ochieng who is nursing an hamstring injury. Captain Kenneth Muguna says the team is eager to bounce back after the loss to Mathare.

“It was a wakeup call as they exposed our weaknesses but we have worked hard in training to seal the loopholes and are ready for the big game. Form will count for nothing in the derby, whoever is strong mentally and takes his chances will carry the day and we hope that will be us,” Muguna, scorer of one of the goals in Gor's 2-0 win over Leopards in February, said after the team’s training session at the Parklands Sports Club on Friday.

Tickets for the match which kicks off at 3pm will go on sale on Sunday from 9am at Kenya Cinema, outside Safari Park Hotel, Ngomongo Police Station and at the match venue outside gates 2 and 12.

Eight more league matches will be played over the weekend. Struggling debutants Kisumu AllStars, who are still hunting for their first win of the season, will host Kariobangi Sharks in Kisumu on Saturday while Kakamega Homeboyz will host Western Stima at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Sunday.

FIXTURES

Saturday

Posta Rangers v Chemelil Sugar – Narok – 2pm

Kisumu AllStars v Kariobangi Sharks – Kisumu – 3pm

KCB v Tusker – Nakuru – 3pm

Sunday

Gor Mahia v AFC Leopards –Kasarani – 3pm

Kakamega Homeboyz v Western Stima – Bukhungu – 3pm

Zoo v Nzoia Sugar – Kericho – 3pm

Sofapaka v Wazito – Narok – 3pm

Sony Sugar v Mathare United – Awendo – 3pm

Ulinzi Stars v Bandari – Nakuru – 3pm