Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia host arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the much anticipated “Mashemeji derby” at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani this Saturday afternoon.
Despite encounters of years having gone by literally brought the country to a standstill and turned the venue into a cacophony of crackling energy as the green regiment of K’Ogalo competed for air with the blue and white of Ingwe, the latter-day fixtures seemed like a pale shadow at the dawn of a fading moonlight.
Gone are the years when the razzle-dazzle around this fixture would see fans from both sides flock local shopping centers to purchase replica jerseys and advance tickets for the face off. Gone are the days when busloads of both sets of fans traveled from the upcountry to watch the live match from the stadium terraces as their favorites fight for domination against the bitter rival.
The temperament around this encounter – the first meeting this season between the two sides, with 30 titles bounded with them, has decidedly muffled.
Is the derby losing its fascination or is this just an apparition that will fade away and the colors of the two teams forcefully outline their presence in the beautiful game in Kenya?
Here are some thoughts on the derby from the trending hashtag #MashemejiDerby
We want nothing short of a 6 nil drubbing this afternoon at Kasarani. We are Kogallo. @OfficialGMFC#MashemejiDerby
— I AM PAPS (@OnyangoOnyach) February 9, 2019
@AFCLeopards always make a lot of noise anytime the #MashemejiDerby comes around but they end up losing to @OfficialGMFC . I really hope this time they will not just be bragging but rather they will do the do??@bonfaceosano
— DoThings (@DoThings117) February 9, 2019
#Mashemejiderby semeji tibim……semeji tialala. @OfficialGMFC is the husband of timbe, but you are our First wife
— Joe Gila (@joegilla) February 9, 2019
Naona Mashemeji Wakitoka Safe leo.
0-0
1-1
2-2
Utanishukuru baadaye. #MashemejiDerby pic.twitter.com/CZ7IxppuUf— MC BARR PRINCE (@McBarr_Prince) February 9, 2019
