Leopards missing the services of Nabwire, Senaji ahead of ‘Mashemeji’
For a lengthy time, AFC Leopards have grappled with the tag of being perennial losers to Gor Mahia in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).
Never mind that Gor have almost made the KPL title their domain for the last decade, while their nemesis last laid their hands on the silverware in 1998 besides bearing the take of underdogs over K’Ogalo in every other match.
Gor have literally been on a roll over Ingwe and as usual had the last laugh over them in 4-1 drubbing in the two teams latest meeting on November 10, 2019 at Moi International Centre (MISC) Kasarani.
The last time Leopards beat Gor was on March 6, 2016 at the same venue in a match which the felines won 1-0, Ivorian Lamine Diallo scoring the lone goal that separated the two sides.
As the two teams cross swords in their 89th Mashemeji Derby at the same setting, Leopards coach Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani has declared that his charges are determined to end what appears a voodoo of sorts to appease their fans.
Kimani, himself a former Leopards player who featured in several Mashemeji Derbies, know the bitterness of losing such matches, hence the crayon call he has made to his players to revert the disturbing trend when the big cats lays ambush to K’Ogalo.
“I know how fans feel when their beloved team slumps in such high octane matches and the idea here for us to be determined to give Gor pound for pound and hopefully beat them hands down,’’ said Kimani, the youngest tacticians in the KPL.
He added: “The last time we met them (Gor) we lost 4-1 but a lot of water has since passed under the bridge as pertains our squad.
The players are now displaying a lot of steel and determination and I expect them to replicate the same in as much as we don’t expect an easy match.’’
On the flip side, Kimani, who will be leading Leopards in his first Mashemeji Derby since being appointed coach, said it is unfortunate that his team will miss the services of midfield dynamo Marvin Nambwire who is nursing an injury but nonetheless pointed out that he has suitable replacements.
“Marvin picked a knock during the match against Chemelil and in as much as this is a set-back I hope the midfielders I will field will get the job done,’’
Away from the field, Kimani has urged Leopards fans to carry themselves with decorum before and after the match regardless of the outcome.
“I know tension will be palpable and the fans should shun any form of wayward behavior that may put the club in trouble with the authorities. Football is meant to foster friendship and not otherwise,’ stated Kimani.
