Bendeka Vows to Break AFC Leopards' Hearts in First Leg of Mashemeji Derby

Gor Mahia striker Gedeon Bendeka has promised to hurt AFC Leopards fans by finding the back of the net when the two bitter rivals clash on Sunday in the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby.

The two biggest football clubs in the country will revive their age-old rivalry with their sights fully trained on the three points, redemption and importantly, bragging rights.

The match comes at a time when both clubs are struggling with form, facing intense pressure from their fans,  dealing with indiscipline in their respective camps and experiencing isolated cases of hooliganism.

However, amidst the slowly-boiling derby fever and rising tension, Bendeka is bold enough to make his intention of scoring in the biggest club fixture in the land known.

BENDEKA THIRSTING FOR DERBY GOAL

Despite his lack of experience in the derby, Bendeka has promised to deliver on the big day and ensure that Gor Mahia extends their dominance in the fixture.

He avers that scoring in the match will give him a better introduction to Kenyan football and cement his place in the starting team.

The 26-year-old hasn't been seeing regular game time due to the stiff competition but, to his credit, has scored twice when coming off the bench.

Bendeka conceded to have taken advantage of the break engineered by the FIFA international break to work on scoring instincts in readiness for the game.

The league has been on a break for the last two weeks to pave the way for the final round of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches.

"I promise to score in the derby. I am putting my best foot forward in training to be in my best shape and form in readiness for the game. We have dominated the fixture for a long time and I am determined to ensure status quo remains," he told SportsBoom.com in a telephone interview.

The Congolese import expressed desire to join the list of foreign players strikers, who have made themselves a name by scoring in the match.

"I know what it means to play and win a derby match. I have a fair knowledge of the Mashemeji Derby and I am looking forward to leaving a mark in my debut," he added.

BENDEKA TIPS GOR TO SKIN INGWE ALIVE

Besides scoring, the former Etincelles goal poacher believes that the record league champions will carry the day despite struggling in previous matches.

Gor haven't won in their last three matches, a run that saw cost coach Leonardo Neiva his job as the club showed the Brazilian the door last week.

Leopards are equally struggling as the oldest football club in the country has also gone for three matches without a win.

Despite the unwanted results recorded in the build-up to the derby, Bendeka is vouching for K'Ogalo to take home all three points.

" I am sure we will win the game. We have prepared well during the league break. We have worked on the areas that cost us three points in the past three matches," he said.

OWINO CONFIDENT OF WIN, CLEAN SHEET

While Bendeka has promised at least a goal in the fixture, the club's centre-back Sylvester Owino is confident of helping the team keep a clean sheet in the game, despite the absence of a key defender.

K'Ogalo will have to do without the services of their first choice left back Geoffrey Ochieng as the assistant captain is suspended for the clash.

Ochieng, will be unavailable for selection as he was red-carded in the previous match against Bandari which ended in 2-0 defeat.

Owino, who has had a remarkable year with Gor and the national team, pins his hopes of a win and clean sheet on the training they have had and their resolve to scoop the bragging rights by all means possible.

" I am confident that we will win the match and keep a clean sheet. We have had sufficient time to prepare and we also understand what it means to win the derby," said the former Kakamega Homeboyz defender.

The two-time league winner with Gor further, said a win in the game will go a long way in restoring confidence in their fans, who have been critical of the decline in form and disciplinary concerns.

" We understand the concerns raised by our fans, who have been supportive. We can't afford to let ourselves and our fans down," he added.