Gor Mahia goalkeeper and team captain have promised fans their preparedness for the highly anticipated Mashemeji derby must bear fruit.

Gor has struggled to start this season with only two wins in six matches. They sit 12th in the Kenya Premier League (KPL) table, three points behind their weekend rivals, the AFC Leopards.

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Matthews has urged fans to stay calm and promises a win from newly-motivated K’Ogalo.

“We expect a lot of fans, and we expect to turn the tables… we have had a bad run, and we are going for the win,” he said.

He further urged the fans to turn out in large numbers, emphasising that the team’s morale is high ahead of the November 24th clash.

“Everyone is ready to play, and the players are in good morale, not like before. I can tell the fans to be calm; we expect you to be there, and it will be a good show from both teams,” he added.

K’Ogalo captain Philemon Otieno echoed the same sentiments, asking the fans to be patient with the team.

“It’s a big game for us as a team and also for the country. We are ready as a team, and our preparations are going all well. We are looking forward to a good game on the 24th,” said Philemon.

The rivalry between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards is one of the most intense in Kenyan football, with both teams always giving their all on the pitch.

Head to head

Gor boasts a strong head-to-head dominance over the AFC Leopards, with 31 wins from all the 92 meetings between the two clubs. Ingwe has won 27 times.

In their last ten meetings, Ingwe has only managed one victory. AFC Leopards will be determined to turn the tide in their favour.

It is alleged that AFC, who will be hosting the match, has yet to secure Nyayo National Stadium as the venue for Sunday’s derby.

Negotiations between relevant stakeholders are ongoing; if the venue fails to be approved, we might see the Mashemeji Derby postponed as no other venue has the capacity to host such a high-profile match.