AFC Leopards head coach Rodolfo Zapata believes has a rich history and their opponents Gor need to show the side respec,
He syas his charges are ready to tackle Gor Mahia FC in the Kenyan Premier League tie set for Sunday 22 July at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
The recent six derbies in all competitions have not ended well for Leopards as they have lost four times and have managed to hold Gor Mahia two draws with one clash being decided by penalties. In those six matches, Leopards have managed just one goal.
Despite the struggles in the derby since their famous 1-0 win at Kasarani in March 2016, Zapata has a positive mentality and believes that the derby can be won through a collective effort from his charges.
“We are very ready. A derby is won through team effort and I’m always positive. I respect Gor Mahia, but we have a rich history and they need to respect it too. I also strongly believe in my players,” He said.
The Argentine has predicted a bright future at Leopards thanks to the youngsters recently signed in the June transfer window. He believes that the side will end up dominating the local scene for many years.
“The difference between average and superior performance in any club always comes back to the quality of the players hired. The Chairman has brought several young players and the target is to dominate the league in the near future,” Zapata tells KPL.
AFC Leopards will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after dropping points against Bandari in the last outing while Gor Mahia FC will be seeking to extend their fine form in the league.
“All of them (new signings) are potentially good players. They however need time to adapt in a big team like AFC Leopards. For this reason, we must be patient in the development process. I need to work progressively and try not to confuse our youngster.” He adds.
The coach has also revealed the team could miss the services of five players ahead of the derby.
“Brian Marita, Dennis Sikhayi, Robinson Kamura, Saad Musa and Alex Oratamal couldn’t practice properly this week while our captain Duncan Otieno has 5 yellow cards and will miss the match.” He said.
Gor Mahia have a nine-point lead at the summit of the SportPesa Premier League with four games in hand over second-placed Sofapaka (40) while AFC Leopards are fifth with 36 points having played 22 matches.
As AFC Leopards prepare to tackle Gor Mahia FC, captain Duncan Otieno will miss the clash as he has accumulated yellow cards hit five that have ruled him out of the clash.
In Otieno’s absence, new signings Said Tsuma, Edwin Seda are likely to to be called by head coach Rodolfo Zapata to fill the void. Bandari’s defender Fred Nkata will also miss the action this weekend as he has picked a maximum five yellow cards so far. His latest coincidentally comes from their recent barren stalemate against Leopards in Machakos.
Despite making a mid-season switch to Vihiga United in the June transfer period, Stephen Wakanya it seems came with a number of bookings and the latest one from his debut against Ulinzi Stars means United will not be able to parade him for their next league encounter.
A mid-season loot from Nzoia Sugar FC, will, therefore, be missing in action when Vihiga United seeks a win against AFC Leopards on 29th July.
Hashim Ssempala suffers the heaviest blow from the suspension list with a two-match ban for a red card hence Tusker will not have him when they play Sofapaka in round 24 and Kakamega Homeboyz in round 25.
🤜🤛 | Historic Rivalry!#Mashemeji fans are geared up ahead of Sundays' clash as @AFCLeopards take on @OfficialGMFC in an epic SPL battle.
Don't miss a moment of this game as it unfolds
Kick off : 3:00 PM
Venue : Kasarani Stadium
Entry : Ksh 200 Terrace
Entry : Ksh 500 VIP pic.twitter.com/oiGXKAahD2— SportPesa (@SportPesa) July 20, 2018