Sinica Mihic bullish as Gor Mahia face AFC Leopards in Mashemeji Derby

Gor Mahia coach Sinica Mihic. File photo

Sinica Mihic bullish as Gor Mahia face AFC Leopards in Mashemeji Derby

Evans Ousuru 12:42 - 26.03.2025

Gor Mahia coach Sinica Mihic explains team's only target against AC Leopards in the Mashemeji derby match.

Gor Mahia coach Sinica Mihic has warned AFC Leopards ahead of the Mashemeji derby set for the Nyayo National Stadium on March 30.

The Croat maintains that his charges will be gunning for nothing short of  maximum points against Ingwe in a bid to keep their title dream alive. 

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The 48-year-old Mihic who officially took over the reins from interim coach Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno on February 3 will lead K'Ogallo in his first-ever Mashemeji derby.

In an interview with Mozzart Sports, Mihic said: "The derby is a nice challenge, especially for the fans, but I have to be honest—every game is three points for me."

Even though the derby knows no form, Gor Mahia have won two of their last three matches and are the inform team heading into the derby. Ingwe on the other hand are winnless in their three encounters, managing three consecutive draws in the process.

Mihic, whose over two decades of coaching experience and tactical acumen will be tested in the derby, reiterated that his players must get his tactics spot on and stay calm to prevail in the high-octane match. 

"Our atmosphere and energy levels are good this week. In derbies, the team that stays calm and controls their emotions usually wins. So, it's about the mind first, then the heart, and the tactics for this special game against our opponent."

In a bid to get the job done against AFC Leopards, Mihic expects to have a telepathic understanding between defense and attack, a strategy that will most likely overwhelm Ingwe.

"There are many aspects we want to improve, such as the connection between defense and attack. We want to bring these to the highest level before the derby. We’ll develop a solid strategy and have plenty of tools to use against our opponents."

Gor Mahia won both legs last season and are keen to make it three wins in a row during the first leg of the 2024-25 season match on Sunday.

Gor Mahia are third on the log with 42 points, three behind leaders Police although they have a game in hand. Ingwe are fifth with 35 points.