AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia coaches, captains call for peace ahead of Sunday's Mashemeji Derby
AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia coaches and captains have urged fans to maintain peace ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo National Stadium. With tensions high and title stakes in play, both teams are preparing for a fierce battle while calling for calm among supporters.
The coaches and captains of AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have urged their fans to maintain peace as the two clubs face off on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in the 96th league meeting between Kenya’s oldest football rivals. The match, hosted by AFC Leopards, will kick off at 4 p.m.
AFC Leopards head coach Boniface Ambani cautioned fans against engaging in violence, emphasising that football should not be taken as a matter of life and death.
"Fans need to realise that football is not a matter of life and death. Regardless of the result, life goes on, and violence has no place in football," said Ambani, who won the league with AFC Leopards in 1998.
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His Gor Mahia counterpart, Croatian coach Sinisa Mihic, echoed the sentiment, calling on fans to enjoy the game in a peaceful manner.
"Of course, it is a big match, and we will be happy to see fans at the stadium enjoying the game peacefully," Mihic said.
AFC Leopards captain Clifton Miheso acknowledged the high emotions that come with a derby but urged fans to embrace the spirit of the game.
"We know emotions run high in a match like this, but football is about spreading happiness and love," Miheso said.
Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno also called for calm, highlighting the importance of fans to the game.
"Fans are important to us. We hope there will be peace at the derby, and everyone returns home safely," Otieno said.
The four were speaking at a press conference at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday morning.
Their comments come days after Nicholas Musonye, chairman of the CHAN 2024 Local Organising Committee, warned that both clubs risk being barred from playing at Nyayo Stadium if their fans engage in violence.
"AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia fans must behave themselves. If they engage in acts of violence, the two clubs will never play at Nyayo again," Musonye said on Tuesday.
Nyayo Stadium is set to close for further renovations after the second derby on Sunday, April 6, in preparation for CHAN 2024 in August.
Ambani and Mihic provided team updates but remained tight-lipped on whether some key players nursing injuries would feature.
"I have an injured player whom I hope will be ready for Sunday," Ambani said.
Mihic, meanwhile, was uncertain about midfielder Austin Odhiambo’s availability.
"Austin Odhiambo may or may not play on Sunday. At the moment, I am not sure," he said, adding that striker Benson Omalla, who is training with the team but is yet to complete his transfer, will not be involved.
"His transfer has not been cleared," Mihic confirmed.
When asked whether Odhiambo’s absence would give AFC Leopards an advantage, Ambani downplayed the notion.
"I would rather face Austin Odhiambo than a player I am unfamiliar with because I know his playing style," he said.
Both coaches admitted that the element of surprise could play a role in the match.
"Gor Mahia have seen me at their matches, so they may change their playing style," Ambani noted.
"The match will be unpredictable. AFC Leopards may adjust their approach, so we have to be ready for anything," Mihic added.
Ambani, who never lost a Mashemeji Derby as a player, expressed hope that AFC Leopards can overturn their poor recent record against Gor Mahia.
Gor Mahia defeated AFC Leopards home and away last season and have lost only once to Ingwe in the last nine years.
"I have been preparing my players mentally. I want them to believe this match is already won before it is played," Ambani said.
Mihic, on the other hand, remained confident in his team’s dominance.
"I am sure we will maintain our good run against AFC Leopards. We are favourites based on form, and I’d say our chances of winning are 70-30," Mihic said.
With the derby set to be played on consecutive weekends, Miheso and Otieno acknowledged the added pressure but insisted they were unfazed.
"We are used to playing under pressure. Every match presents a similar challenge," Miheso said.
"Of course, the two matches will be tough, but we have been preparing well. We do not feel under pressure," Otieno added.
The match will be the first Mashemeji Derby for both Ambani and Mihic, who took over their respective teams in December and February, respectively.
Gor Mahia are currently third in the league with 42 points, trailing Tusker (44 points) and leaders Kenya Police (45 points). AFC Leopards sit fifth with 36 points.
Ambani believes a derby win could reignite his team’s title bid.
"Defeating Gor Mahia would be a big statement of our title credentials. However, we still have to win other games and hope those ahead of us drop points," he said.
Miheso, who previously played for Gor Mahia and won the league with them, was more cautious.
"We are nine points off the top, so for now, we take one match at a time and see where it takes us," he said.
Gor Mahia head into the derby with the historical upper hand, having won 33 league meetings against AFC Leopards while scoring 90 goals and conceding 80. AFC Leopards have 28 league wins against Gor Mahia, while 34 encounters have ended in draws.
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