Mashemeji derby: Gor Mahia chairman rallies fans to turn up in large numbers for clash against bitter rivals AFC Leopards

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FOOTBALL Mashemeji derby: Gor Mahia chairman rallies fans to turn up in large numbers for clash against bitter rivals AFC Leopards

Joel Omotto 08:07 - 07.10.2023

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has called on supporters not to be deceived by AFC Leopards’ poor form and turn up in large numbers to give K’Ogalo an extra push

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has called on the club’s supporters to turn up in large numbers and support the team during Saturday’s Mashemeji derby against bitter rivals AFC Leopards.

Leopards host Gor at Kasarani Stadium in what is Kenya’s biggest league match with pressure on coach Tom Juma to record his first win of the season while K’Ogalo are keen to right the wrongs on May when they lost the fixture 2-1.

With the stakes so high, Rachier, whose side have won two and drawn three of their opening five Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches, know form does not count on derby day hence the need to have the ‘12th man’ in the stands to give Jonathan McKinstry’s men an extra push.

“As the chairman of K'Ogalo, Ambrose Rachier I'm pleading and begging you to avail yourselves at Kasarani Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) very early in the morning to support our team that we love, Gor Mahia, Gor K'Ogalo, Gor from Kanyamwa,” Rachier said.

“You know that we have a big game tomorrow we are meeting our in laws, AFC Leopards. In the derby we don't look at who is on form, and that is the beauty of the derby.

“You know how we are always happy when we go to the derby and win, and this only happens when fans turn up.

“If you are a drummer come with your drums, even if you don't know how to sign our chants just raise your hands up and sing "K'Ogalo Gor. Gor Mahia...K'Ogalo eeh, Gor Timbe duto ywak ni (all teams cry because of Gor Mahia)."

Gor Mahia had dominated Leopards for seven years before Ingwe ended the hoodoo in May with the 2-1 victory at Nyayo Stadium.

Leopards have not won a match this season after four draws and a loss and Juma can ill afford another negative result on Saturday with fans having already started calling for his sacking in September.

A win against Ingwe’s bitter rivals would lift the spirits and get the pressure off but Juma’s men, who have been toothless thus far, will need a great improvement to match and beat McKinstry’s men.