AFC Leopards head coach Tom Juma fires warning salvo ahead of Mashemeji derby

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FKFPL AFC Leopards head coach Tom Juma fires warning salvo ahead of Mashemeji derby

Festus Chuma 16:00 - 06.10.2023

Coach Tom Juma and AFC Leopards are prepared and confident for their 94th clash with archrivals Gor Mahia at Kasarani.

AFC Leopards head coach Tom Juma is optimistic about his squad's prospects as they prepare for a tantalizing clash with archrivals Gor Mahia in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

In what is anticipated to be a thrilling match, Juma has delivered a stark warning, underscoring that his charges are not only ready but resolute in facing the champions.

This eminent clash is the 94th face-off between the two legendary teams, eliciting a heightened sense of anticipation and suspense among fans and players alike.

“At AFC Leopards, there are no easy games. All games are tough, as all teams approach with the same mentality of trying to beat us. Of course, with Gor Mahia — a significant rival who were the champions last season and possess a superior squad — we understand the challenge ahead. However, we are ready for that challenge. We will do our best to win this game and aim to secure a victory for our fans for the first time,” proclaimed a defiant coach Juma ahead of the showdown at the Kasarani Stadium.

The pressure is palpable, but Juma is undaunted, as are his players. Jafari Awiti, AFC Leopards' forward, reinforced his coach's sentiments, exuding confidence and readiness for the challenge ahead.

“As players, we were motivated for the game, so we were prepared to battle. We know it will be a good game, and we are glad that the coach has prepared us well. This match could be a turning point for us and the fans. We are not under any pressure. The players are ready, and I am confident that we will secure a win to take home,” explained a buoyant Awiti.

The historical rivalry between AFC Leopards, also known as Ingwe, and Gor Mahia, fondly referred to as K’Ogalo, is a storied one, with both teams vying for supremacy in the Kenyan football scene for years. 

In their last engagement, AFC Leopards edged out Gor Mahia with a 2-1 victory, snapping a seven-year winless streak and injecting a renewed sense of hope and anticipation among their fanbase.

With both teams entering the match on the back of a storied history, the upcoming Mashemeji Derby promises to be a spectacle for fans and neutrals alike. 

Gor Mahia currently holds the edge in the head-to-head record, boasting 31 wins compared to AFC Leopards' 28, with 34 matches concluding in draws. The stakes are high, and expectations are soaring for a match that encapsulates the passion and energy of Kenyan football.

Coach Juma is well aware of the challenge posed by the reigning champions but remains steadfast in his belief that his team will rise to the occasion.

 “We will play our normal game, and, of course, we depend on our fans to act as the twelfth man, pushing the players forward,” Juma added.

As the clock ticks down to the momentous clash, the atmosphere is electrifying, with fans from both sides eagerly awaiting a match that could potentially redefine the season for either team. 

In a game where pride and prestige are at stake, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia are poised to deliver a footballing spectacle worth remembering, with coach Tom Juma's men determined to emerge victorious.