Gor Mahia head into tomorrow’s highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium with confidence and determination, as both the technical bench and players believe the team is fully prepared for the big occasion.
Speaking ahead of the clash, defender Michael Kibwage emphasized the importance of the fixture, both for the team’s title ambitions and for the supporters who have stood by the club throughout the campaign.
“We have prepared as a team, we know what is ahead of us and we believe on our side we are ready for the game. We know that we lost the first leg but now we are prepared and we look forward to turning things around.”
Kibwage stressed that victory in the derby would be significant not only in the standings but also emotionally for the Green Army.
“It will be very important for us and for our fans to win this match. They deserve this as they have been with the team since the season started and it is also important for us in achieving our season’s target, which is the title.”
The defender also called on supporters to fill the stands and play their role as the team’s extra man.
“I urge the fans to turn out in large numbers. We need the 12th man for the big occasion.”
Despite going three matches without finding the back of the net, Kibwage remains confident the team is ready to respond.
“We know that our last three games have not been good in terms of scoring but we believe we are ready for tomorrow. We have learned from our mistakes and we are ready for the derby.”
Head coach Charles Akonnor echoed that confidence, revealing that preparations have gone according to plan and the squad is in a strong place mentally and physically.
“Preparations have been solid, we have trained very well, the technical team is very happy with the way preparations have gone and we look forward to the match.”
Akonnor noted that the technical bench has focused heavily on tactical preparation and ensuring the players understand the demands of the game.
“We have focused on how to prepare, have given our players information on how to go about the game and we are very confident in how they have processed things both on the field of play and in training.”
Addressing the recent goal drought, the coach remained optimistic, pointing to the team’s chance creation as a positive sign.
“We have not scored in three matches but we have created a lot of chances and we have not been lucky in scoring. We have worked hard in training and we are very hopeful for tomorrow.”
Akonnor also confirmed a major boost on the injury front, with most of the squad back available.
“The players who were injured are back in training and we have a full house now with the exception of Felix Oluoch who is out for a long time.”
As always, the coach reserved a final message for the supporters.
“The fans have supported us and we ask them to come in numbers, believe in us and we shall give them the results, and win the title.”
With the derby carrying huge significance in both pride and the title race, we will be aiming to deliver a statement performance and keep our championship push firmly on course.
