Brian Marita and defender Robinson Kamura will not be available as AFC Leopards tackles Gor Mahia FC in a league at Moi Kasarani on Sunday 22 July.
The two will join captain Duncan Otieno who had earlier been ruled out of the clash due an accumulation of yellow cards; the forthcoming clash being the 84th Mashemeji derby between the two teams.
In the absence of the trio, coach Rodolfo Zapata is expected to call on youngster Michael Kibwage to partner Abdalla Shittu at tge heart of defence in place of Kamura. Eugene Mukangula who was roped from Thika United in the June window is also expected to start in place of Marita with either Edward Seda being billed to ful the void left by captain Otieno.
On their part, Gor Mahia might welcome back winger George Odhiambo, goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch and defender Joash Onyango who both missed their midweek CAF Confederations Cup clash against Yanga SC due to an injuries and suspension respectively with midfielder Ernest Wendo still out with an injury.
Gor Mahia won the last meeting between the two teams by a solitary goal in May 1; the clash being the Hull City Challenge that was held at Afraha Stadium.
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. However, AFC Leopards coach Rodolfo Zapata says this does not worry him heading into the derby.
Quality Players
“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. 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
“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.
Important match
Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr has also termed the match as “important” and urged his players to treat as such.
“The players are aware how important the derby is to the team and to the fans as well and they have to give it their all. Our opponents also know there are bragging rights in this one and I believe they are also looking to upset us. We will approach the match with the seriousness it deserves.” Kerr said.
Each VIP ticket for the match that kicks off at 3PM will cost Ksh 500 while a terrace ticket will be going for Ksh 200. The match will be live on K24.