Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno reckons they possess the mojo to wring out maximum points in the eagerly-awaited Mashemeji derby against archrivals AFC Leopards this weekend.
Anticipation is swelling as the 97th iteration of this fierce contest approaches. More than just a football match, the derby is a visceral clash of unmatched loyalties, a battle for bragging rights etched into the very soul of Kenyan football.
Gor Mahia head into the encounter with a surge of confidence, buoyed by recent performances that have seen them secure crucial victories.
A resounding 4-0 thrashing of Mara Sugar at Dandora Stadium, followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Shabana at Gusii Stadium, has propelled them to second place on the league table with 53 points from 29 matches.
Otieno said Gor Mahia's aspirations for the title hinge on their performance in this derby, underscoring the significance of every point earned in their remaining games.
He reckons a win against their perennial nemesis would be a shot of adrenaline, a boost of morale that could propel them through the remaining matches.
"It is a tough match considering we are fresh from another demanding outing against Shabana in Kisii over the weekend. Still, I believe we shall do our best to beat AFC Leopards," Otieno said.
The weight of history, tradition, and ambition converges in this moment, creating a crucible of expectations that both teams must navigate.
"Everyone at the club recognises the importance of this match. With only six matches remaining to the end of the season we have reached a phase where we cannot afford to drop points. We are determined to lift the title," he said.
AFC Leopards, sitting in sixth place with 42 points from the same number of matches, will be eager to assert their dominance.
The derby represents an opportunity for them to disrupt Gor Mahia's ambitions while simultaneously boosting their own morale and standings.
The venue for this monumental clash, the Moi Stadium at Kasarani, has not hosted a match in ten months, making its reopening a momentous occasion in itself.
The stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Kenyan football, and its recent renovations signal a commitment to elevating the sport in the country.
The Mashemeji Derby, being the first match held at this iconic venue since its upgrades, adds an extra layer of significance. Gor, the host team, deployed top officials including vice chair Sally Bollo, secretary general Nick Arum and treasurer Gerphas Okuku to assess the suitability of the facility to host the high profile encounter.
The 21-time Kenyan champions later confirmed they will host their bitter at the facility.
“Our club officials vice chair Sally Bolo, secretary general Nick Arum and treasurer Gerphas Okuku were at Kasarani Stadium to check on the venue that will stage the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday. All set for the big match,” the club said in a statement.
The first leg of the derby, held at Nyayo Stadium, concluded in a stalemate, a 0-0 draw that left both teams yearning for more.
In a rivalry defined by its intensity and unpredictability, such a result only heightens the anticipation for the upcoming clash.
The game will be the first to be held at the famous stadium since it was shut down in August 2023 for renovations and upgrades.
