Gor Mahia head coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno has vowed to turn archrivals AFC Leopards into minced meat in the eagerly-awaited Mashemeji derby clash at Raila Odinga Stadium on Sunday.
Amidst the thrumming tension being generated by the pre-match buzz, Otieno urged his charges to push above their weight as they grope for the crucial points to help them tuck away a record 22nd top-tier title.
The Kenyan behemoths will be flexing muscles in the 97th edition of the nation's most cherished football showpiece.
With a game in hand, Gor are making a last-ditch effort to get within seven points of league leaders Kenya Police.
"Winning will be our top priority. This is the ideal chance for us to get closer to the Kenya Police," Zico said.
The seasoned gaffer, however, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, reminding fans to gracefully embrace the emotional rollercoaster of football, which presents both victory and defeat.
"We have hard-to-please, extremely picky fans. I only ask that they show up and cheer on the team for the full 90 minutes. They should also learn to accept losses in dignity because in football, a team can only have either a win, a loss or a draw," Zico said.
"Football is a game of unpredictability, where fortunes can change in an instant. When Gor trails other teams in a game, they should never give up because in football, a team can score at any time. They ought to keep cheering the team on until the very end," he said.
He said staging the derby outside Nairobi was a good idea. "We have an advantage because the derby is being played in our home area and we expect a lot of support there," Zico said.
"I believe we ought to play AFC Leopards in Kakamega, Busia, or Mumias the next time," he continued. Gor Mahia assistant captain Geoffrey 'Simiti' Ochieng urged fans to fill the Raila Odinga Stadium stands to the rafters.
He painted a vivid picture of the derby's unique atmosphere, the electrifying energy generated by the roaring crowd, the rhythmic beat of drums, and a symphony of green and white passion.
Ochieng said fans are the lifeblood of any club, adding that the unique environment they create can transform the match into an unforgettable experience.
"Derbies are not like other matches. When you look at the number of fans and those who are eager to come to the pitch, and also the environment, make the Derby a unique event," he said.
"As players, we are always focused and take each match at a time. We are putting God first, and we believe every player will put in their best performance to deliver a win in the match," Ochieng said.
Benson Omalla, the mercurial striker, added his voice to the chorus of determination, promising a valiant fight for maximum points, a desperate lunge for the league trophy.
"The Mashemeji derby is always a big game in Kenya, and a big stage for the players to showcase their potential. For us, we cannot afford to drop points in any of our three remaining matches if we want to win the league this season," Omalla said.
"We shall push above our weight to give our fans the bragging rights. I'm urging our fans to turn out in large numbers because we always feel motivated anytime we see the green and white jerseys in the stands," he added.
