Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier is confident K’Ogalo will extend their dominance over rivals AFC Leopards when the two teams lock horns in Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium.
The rivalry, which began in 1968, has seen Gor Mahia register 31 wins compared to Leopards’ 27, with 34 meetings ending in stalemates.
Last season, Gor Mahia completed a double over Ingwe, winning 2-0 in the first leg courtesy of Benson Omala’s brace and winning the return fixture 1-0 through Austine Odhiambo’s strike.
“We have the most wins in the Mashemeji derby and we believe this weekend will be no different.
The team is prepared to give their all and ensure we extend our dominance,” Rachier said.
However, he remains cautious, observing that the derby is no ordinary match. He emphasised the importance of thorough preparation.
“The Mashemeji derby is never an easy game. It demands full preparation because walking in underprepared will cost you,” he said.
“We always work on the players’ mentality. A strong mindset is key. Without it, even the best players can falter under the pressure of this occasion.”
Despite Rachier’s optimism, Gor Mahia are enduring a rough spell in the league, recording just two wins in six matches.
In their most recent encounter, they lost 2-0 to Bandari at the Ukunda Showgrounds earlier this month courtesy of Geoffrey Ojunga and Beja Nyamawi strikes.
Before that, they had played to a 2-2 draw against Murang’a Seal and lost 2-1 to Nairobi City Stars.
The poor run of results prompted the sacking of then-head coach Leonardo Neiva with assistant coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno assuming the role on an interim basis, assisted by Michael Nam.
K’Ogalo’s shot-stopper Gad Mathews remains undeterred despite the poor results.
“We expect to turn the tables come this weekend. We have had a bad run so we are going for nothing short of a win,” he said.
Morale among the players is high even as he called on the Green Army to turn up in large numbers.
“Everyone is ready to play. The players are in a high morale to tackle AFC. We ask the fans to be calm and turn up in large numbers and expect a good show. We are coming for a win so we ask the fans to be calm,” he said.
