The match between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards dubbed “Mashemeji derby” was once an enthralling match that no wanted to miss watching.
The two age-long rivals dominated football not just in the country but throughout East and Central Africa. The rivalry was deep and intense and reached its apex in the 1970s and 1980s.
Throughout that period, there were interesting episodes of witchcraft, animosity between fans, bribery among many other intrigues.
However, through the years, there were memorable matches between the two teams, which the media fondly referred to as the big two.
But poor management in recent years has seen Leopards drown and has given their arch-rival advantage to dominate over them.
Leopards’ form wasn’t too bad before 2016 as one could not easily bet a match between the two giants.
But come 2016, ‘Ingwe’ was infested with leadership wrangles in the club, uncontrolled change of team managers and inability to accommodate good players.
This has seen their long-time rivals Gor Mahia take complete control over them, losing the taste of once glorious “Mashemeji Derby”
The Sunday’s derby ensured that Gor Mahia remains unbeaten with AFC Leopards since March 6, 2016, when Ingwe thrashed K’Ogalo 1-0 before their fans.
Since then, the two teams have met six times with Gor winning five times and drawing once, meaning AFC has got nothing from the run.
The statistics speak a lot and it is high time for Leopards to reclaim their glory and bring sense to the famous Mashemeji Derby. Obviously, if it dominated by one team, the derby loses taste as it has.