AFC Leopards legend picks side ahead of Mashemeji derby clash with Gor Mahia

Wyclife Kasaya. IMAGE/ AFC Leopards

AFC Leopards legend picks side ahead of Mashemeji derby clash with Gor Mahia

Evans Ousuru 06:20 - 28.03.2025

The retired goal minder has explained why he does not want Gor Mahia to win the Mashemeji derby match against AFC Leopards.

Former AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia goalkeeper Wycliffe Kasaya believes the Mashemeji derby at the Nyayo Stadium on Sunday will be won by any team.

Kasaya maintained that this season's match looks unpredictable considering that both teams haven't enjoyed a rich vein of form lately.

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Kasaya, who was lucky to play for two of the greatest Kenyan footballing giants that boast of a large following, said he wants AFC Leopards to change the tide about the derby by playing for nothing short of maximum points. 

"Gor Mahia has dominated this fixture for years, and I don’t like that. I want Ingwe to show more fighting spirit and try to win the game," Kasaya told Mozzart Sports.

"This derby will be unpredictable because both teams are currently not in their best form, and only six points separate them on the table." 

The retired shot stopper lauded AFC Leopards for keeping faith in young players, hailing Leopards coach Fred Ambani for the smooth transition. The former Nakumatt player said Ingwe are in safe hands under Ambani, tipping them for greatness in the long term. 

"One thing I appreciate about Leopards is their faith in a local coach, Ambani. He believes in young players, and I’m confident he’ll be successful because he coached me at Nakumatt, so I know his capabilities," Kasaya said.

While drama as usual is expected, Kasaya urged fans to flock the stadium as witnessed during Harambee Stars versus Gabon match. 

"The derby is the marquee fixture of our league, and we need to demonstrate its importance by having a fully packed Nyayo National Stadium."

The Mashemeji derby was originally scheduled for November 2024 before it was postponed for March 2, 2025. On both occasions, the high-octane match was postponed due to unavailability of venue.

Traditionally, the match has been played either at the Nyayo or Kasarani Stadiums. Both stadiums had been closed for renovation since late last year.  Nyayo Stadium was reopened two weeks ago and two international matches have been hosted at the venue so far.

Junior Starlets beat Uganda 3-0 on March 16, before Harambee Star lost 2-1 against Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifier match on Sunday.