AFC Leopards aiming sharp claws and guttural roars at Gor Mahia ahead of Mashemeji Derby

Kenya’s oldest and most successful football clubs; Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will revive their ageless rivalry on Sunday in the 96th edition of the Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium. 

Clash of the titans

For starters, the two league giants, who have stood the test of time, boast 32 league titles between them and command massive following in the country and abroad. 

Meetings between the two are always high-octane affairs with thrills, entertainment, and all sorts of drama served richly both on and off the pitch. This is a fixture which Kenyans from all walks of life look up to every season. 

The second leg will go down at Nyayo, the country’s second biggest football facility, after Gor, who are the host, secured the license to host it at that facility located less than three kilometers from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). 

The match was to be held at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos initially but after concerns were raised over the suitability of the facility to host the game coupled with negotiations, Sports Kenya allowed Gor to stage the contest at Nyayo. 

The record league champions remain banned from hosting league matches in any of Sports Kenya-owned facilities thanks to the destruction of infrastructure witnessed at Kasarani Stadium in November last year. 

Defying the odds 

Ahead of the derby, the Leopards camp is brimming with confidence despite the odds being stacked against them and the results of the previous meetings not giving them a chance. 

Leopards lost the first leg 2-0 played in October last year at Kasarani Stadium and will head to Sunday’s clash looking to revenge and grab the bragging rights that are at stake as well. 

 The overlapping defender played both matches in Lilongwe against Malawi and in the final against Zimbabwe. 

“I feel I am used to big and difficult matches. I have come up against tough opponents both at club level and the national team.

The confidence derived from the national team camp and matches played in Malawi makes me ready for any match. We are looking forward to the derby and our preparations are aimed at claiming maximum points,” said the former Nzoia Sugar and Kakamega Homeboyz defender. 

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The Kenyan international who is in the second stint with Leopards called on the fans to paint Nyayo blue and witness the team take home the three points.

“I scored against Leopards when I was at Gor, giving joy to their fans and a sense of victory in the game. I hope to give Leopards fans joy on Sunday but the most important thing is how the team will perform and win the game. I urge our fans to turn up in large numbers to back us, “said Miheso. 

Showing respect to former teams and rivals 

The match means a lot to Leopards centre-back Kennedy Owino Odhiambo as it sets the stage for him to serve Gor, whom he played for between September 2020 and February 2021, bitterness. 

While at Gor, Odhiambo didn’t experience the Mashemeji Derby, his hunger to debut with a win this weekend in what he believes will be the first of many. 

“I can’t wait to play my first Mashemeji Derby. This is a fixture I have always wanted to have a taste of ever since I began playing in the top tier. I hope to debut in the fixture with a win,” said the former Sony Sugar defender.

Owino made headlines last weekend after scoring a lone goal in Leopards 1-0 win over his former employer, Posta Rangers.

Given his acrimonious exit from Rangers, he was largely expected to celebrate after scoring but he displayed top-of-the-drawer sportsmanlike conduct by muting his actions.

Asked on whether he fancies scoring and celebrating against Gor, the defender said all he is interested in is team glory.

“The two teams are in good form and thus, we expect a tough game. I have respect for Gor and all other clubs that I have played for before. In respect to this, I will not celebrate if I will score. I respect all the clubs that I have played for and wouldn’t wish to be or appear disrespectful,” added the former Western Stima centre-back.

Brimming with confidence ahead of second leg 

State fright is a phenomenon that first-timers have to deal with considering the noise from the stands and the expectations fans invest in their teams.

This is however a non-issue for left back Vincent Mahiga who will be making his second appearance in the derby having debuted in the first leg.

Mahiga says the experience he gained with the national team, Harambee Stars, in the Four Nations tournament held in Malawi has prepared him adequately for the derby and any other assignment.