Tom Juma, the head coach of AFC Leopards, is brimming with confidence as he believes his team has the winning formula to defeat traditional rivals Gor Mahia for the second time in their highly anticipated ‘Mashemeji’ derby showdown.
The 97th edition of Kenya’s most exhilarating football spectacle is set to take place at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Saturday, pitting Ingwe against K’Ogalo.
Juma issued a warning to their opponents, challenging them to prepare for an intense battle in an interview. He stated, “We are going for nothing less than a victory. That’s our goal. Leopards’ fans hold the ‘Mashemeji’ derby in high regard, and we can’t afford to disappoint them.”
Juma downplayed concerns that his team would enter the match as underdogs, despite a challenging run of four consecutive winless matches. While Gor Mahia currently sits comfortably in third place with eight points from four matches, AFC Leopards languishes in 15th place with a mere three points.
However, Juma remained resolute in his belief that they could overcome their opponents once again, emphasizing that the historical outcomes of the ‘Mashemeji’ derby have often defied league form.
He stated, “Over the years, the results of the ‘Mashemeji’ derby have not been solely determined by the league standings. They may have a better position on the log, but that won’t significantly impact our match on Saturday.”
AFC Leopards emerged as the dominant side in their previous encounter with Gor Mahia at Nyayo Stadium on May 13, ending Gor Mahia’s eight-year winning streak in the derby.
Meanwhile, Gor Mahia’s head coach, Jonathan McKinstry, expressed his confidence that his team would regain the ‘Mashemeji’ derby bragging rights they lost in May. He acknowledged the derby’s importance to fans and the club and urged his players to secure a victory.
McKinstry stated, “We respect our opponents, but it would be unfortunate to allow them to win the derby for a second consecutive time. We are urging our fans to come out in large numbers to support the club.”
The ‘Mashemeji’ derby, formerly known as the Ingo-Dala derby, has captured the hearts and minds of Kenyans from diverse backgrounds. It stands as the most cherished football fixture in the country, featuring a longstanding rivalry spanning over 50 years between the two oldest Kenyan clubs.
Founded in 1964 and 1968 respectively, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have traditionally drawn their membership from the Abaluhya and Luo communities in Nairobi.
The historic rivalry kicked off on May 5, 1968, at Nairobi City Stadium, where Gor Mahia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory in their maiden encounter.
With 31 victories, Gor Mahia holds the superior statistical record in the derby, while AFC Leopards boast 27 wins. The two sides have shared the spoils 34 times.
Before their triumph in May, AFC Leopards’ last victory over Gor Mahia was in 2016 when Lamine Diallo’s solitary goal sealed the victory. Since then, Gor Mahia has dominated, winning nine of their 12 encounters against their rivals.
