AFC Leopards head coach Thomas Trucha believes this year's Mashemeji derby clash against arch-rivals Gor Mahia will be the mother of all battles.
The two Kenyan behemoths will lock horns twice this season in what is billed as Kenya's most-cherished topflight showpiece.
Leopards will host Gor Mahia in the first Mashemeji derby encounter on November 24.
Trucha reckons Ingwe boasts sufficient depth to assert themselves and end their 26-year-old title drought after rummaging through the just-concluded transfer window for quality players.
However, they will also battle tooth and nail to restore their bragging rights from an obstinate K'Ogalo side which has claimed numerous wins at whim in the popular Kenyan derby.
“We are not just eager to win the league this season, but also keen to beat Gor Mahia in both legs of the Mashemeji derby. Doing so will boost the morale of the players who have played second fiddle to our opponents for a long time now," Trucha remarked.
The coach, who steered Leopards to a top-five finish in the preceding season, has been touted to turn around the dwindling fortunes of Kenya's oldest top-tier side.
He pledged to deliver the silverware to Ingwe fans who are thirsty for success after an agonising wait.
“We are aware we owe our fans something to cheer them up after many seasons without a trophy. We can easily achieve our aspirations for a title if we put in extra effort and believe in ourselves," Trucha said.
"Moreover, there is always the thrill the fans get from winning a Mashemeji derby. We want them to leave the stadium smiling after our two matches against Gor this season," he added.
Trucha will look to his new signings to steer him to glory. Among them is sensational fleet-footed winger Julius Masaba who joined from rivals Kariobangi Sharks at the start of the season
He is expected to bolster the attacking line that already boasts Harambee Stars striker Victor Omune and Burundian point man Arthur Gitego who was in contention for the Golden Boot gong last season after finding the back of the net eight times.
“We have done everything we can to strengthen our squad. All departments are healthy and all we want is for the players to punch above their weight and deliver in the matches," Trucha said.
After getting their season off to a good start with a resounding 4-0 thumping of returnees Mathare United, Leopards will take the battle to Posta Rangers in their next encounter at Machakos Stadium on Sunday.
