Why Gor Mahia needs to win against Leopards so badly

Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry has rallied fans to throng the stands during their Mashemeji derby clash against AFC Leopards at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Saturday.

McKinstry expects Saturday’s crowd at the 60,000-capacity venue to outnumber that of last weekend’s thrilling match between AFC Leopards and Shabana at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Complex.

The 7,500-seat venue, which is owned by the military, was packed to the brim during the thrilling Kenyan Premier League match that ended in a one-all draw.

“We witnessed a mammoth crowd at Ulinzi Complex over the weekend in the league match between AFC and Shabana. We are looking forward to a much bigger crowd on Saturday considering the two biggest clubs in the country will be in action.”

The Irishman will be groping for his first Mashemeji derby win since his arrival at the club in 2021. His first assignment against their nemesis at Nyayo Stadium ended in a heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat in the preceding season.

He is convinced that they have sharpened their talons well enough to thrive in the much-anticipated thriller.

“We must be in our best element because our fans expect nothing short of a win. We need to punch above and beyond to reclaim our bragging rights,” McKinstry said.

“We all understand how important the derby has always been to our fans and everyone else at the club and the least we can do for them is to win the match. We are ready for Saturday,” McKinstry said.

“We respect our opponents but it would be tragic to allow them to secure back-to-back wins in the derby. We are urging our fans to turn out in large numbers to rally behind the club,” McKinstry said.

Before their defeat on May 13, Gor Mahia had held the bragging rights in straight wins spanning eight consecutive years.

K’Ogalo head coach, Jonathan McKinstry has tipped his charges to reclaim the Mashemeji derby bragging rights they surrendered in May.

Previously known as the Ingo-Dala derby, Mashemeji has rightfully captured the hearts and minds of Kenyans from all ethnic backgrounds.

Formed in 1964 and 1968 respectively, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia heavily drew their membership from the Abaluhya and Luo communities residing in Nairobi.

The traditional arch-rivals flexed muscles for the first time in history during their maiden tie at Nairobi City Stadium on May 5, 1968, where Gor prevailed over their nemesis with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

With 31 victories, Gor Mahia boasts the best statistical record in the derby. Whereas Leopards have 27 wins, the sides have shared spoils 34 times.

Since then, Gor Mahia have won nine of their 12 encounters against Leopards. In other matches scheduled for Saturday, Ulinzi Stars have a date with Kariobangi Sharks at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi as Nairobi City Stars as Kenya Police lock horns at Kasarani Annex, Nairobi.

KCB will make a trip to Kisumu to settle scores with hosts Muhoroni Youth FC at Muhoroni Stadium. Bidco United will host coastal lads Bandari at Moi Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi.