With the Mashemeji Derby poised to take center-stage on Sunday, here are the players to watch;
Humphrey Mieno (GOR)
Mieno put a man of the match performance in K’Ogalo’s 4-0 win against Yanga, and that is a motivation already ahead of the derby against AFC Leopards. The former Tusker FC man provided two assists for Ivorian striker Ephram Guikan, and will want to keep the same form against the twelve-time league champions.
Abdalla Salim (AFC)
‘Shittu’, as he is commonly referred to, defends with ambition and zeal. He is ready to commit 100% just to protect his goalkeeper and team from conceding. His never die attitude is what differentiates him from the rest. He will have to be physical enough to stop the ruthless K’Ogalo attack.
Shaban Odhoji (GOR)
Odhoji has been excellent goalkeeper for Gor Mahia whenever called upon, and he once again proved his doubters wrong with a clean sheet on Wednesday against Yanga. Well, it will be a tough match against AFC Leopards but this man is definitely ready if recent displays is anything to go by.
Harun Shakava (GOR)
The captain is the main reason why the sixteen-time champions have been compact at the back. Always there to make last ditch tackles and ensure his goalkeeper is safe. Scored the winning goal when the two sides faced each other in the KPL Super Cup. He has faced Ingwe twice as the captain and has not conceded a single goal.
Victor Majid (AFC)
With Duncan Otieno suspended, Majid is a guaranteed replacement in the midfield for Ingwe. He is not scared of tackling or challenging the opponent. One thing about Majid is his ability to track back and provide cover for the back four. It will be his task to ensure the defense is balanced and that there is a perfect build up from defense to attack.
Whyvonne Isuza (AFC)
After sitting out last weekend against Bandari due to suspension, Isuza is expected to be in the starting line-up for AFC Leopards. His pass and move tactic will be the main weapon against K’Ogalo but his main job will be to create scoring chances for his strikers. He can as well score when a chance comes his way.
Samuel Onyango (GOR)
With George Odhiambo doubtful, the former Ulinzi Stars man will once again be drafted into the starting line-up and has to take the chance with both hands. He did well on Wednesday against Yanga, but that will not matter if he flops against their bitter rivals AFC Leopards.
Ezekiel Owade (AFC)
The custodian has grown in confidence since getting his chance to man Ingwe goal. Jairus Adira has failed to reclaim his position. It will be Owade’s first ‘Mashemeji derby’ and he has to ensure the pressure does not get the better of him. He has to command his line well and ensure his defense makes no silly mistakes.
Ephram Guikan (GOR)
Managed to hit a brace against Yanga after being blamed for wasting several good chances in the Cecafa Kagame Cup. The Ivorian striker is talented, and a hard worker with the only undoing being in front of the goal. However, after scoring twice in the Caf tie, he is riding high in confidence.
Ezekiel Odera (AFC)
The former Nairobi City Stars forward has been a revelation for Ingwe since joining them at the beginning of the year. It will be his first league derby and just like Owade, he will want to leave a mark. Known for his shot, pass and accuracy, Odera will be relied on for goals by his teammates and if he manages to click, Gor Mahia will be in trouble.
Brian Marita (AFC)
Marita is one of the most underrated players in AFC Leopards team but that has not discouraged him. He lets his feet do the talking on the pitch and that has given him a starting berth time and again. He will have to be intelligent against his marker and ensure he hits the back of the net with any chance he gets on Sunday.