Sports Updated: 12 May 2023 09:41 EAT 185 Views | ~ 1 minute

Countdown to Mashemeji Derby

Countdown to Kenya Premier League’s most coveted match, The Mashemeji derby is on, as both camps promise to go head to head against each other on Sunday 3pm, at Moi International Stadium Kasarani, Nairobi.

Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has said Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby against arch rivals AFC Leopards will be a tough duel, mostly because Ingwe will be coming into the match ‘with nothing to lose’.

‘’AFC are placed lower than us on the table and most likely they will finish around there maybe fifth or sixth when the season ends. So for them, they are not fighting for the league title and they will have nothing to lose. They will throw everything at us and that makes them a dangerous rival because for them this is a free hit,” said the coach.

He added; “For us, we have to manage the game differently and we have to go and do what we can. If we play to our levels, we will collect the three points.”

Ingwe's Belgian Coach Aussems has hinted at using a different tactical, approach as they beam with confidence after their recent 1-0 win over Nzoia Sugar.

‘’We are using this game to prepare for our FKF Cup semi-final match against Kakamega Homeboyz," Aussems said.

"Everybody is talking to me about the Mashemeji derby but this is a match that can only give us a maximum of three points like any other. I'm not interested in the traditional rivalry between the two clubs. My focus is on the game that will come thereafter," he added.

"I intend to make some changes in our organization and the lineup against Gor Mahia as well. I'm doing this specifically to get all my 19 players ready for the semis on the 20th."

Gor Mahia hold a two-point lead over second placed Tusker, who play earlier on Saturday, and a defeat against AFC could prove detrimental as far as the title race is concerned.