This coming weekend will not be complete without Kenya’s famous Mashemeji derby!
Sunday will be a day of sensation in the Kenyan Premier League as AFC Leopards will play host to Gor Mahia at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
And unlike the past recent Mashemeji derby matches, this one could be perhaps one of the highly attended owing to the ongoing conversations.
Basically, derbies are always pulsating if all the teams involved are strong and battling for a crucial goal- this raises the stakes, hyping the game to make it worth attending.
This could be the right time for this season’s mashemeji derby as both sides have shown some signs of mental and physical agility.
Gor are currently leading the table with 51 points after playing 22 matches while Leopards are placed sixth on the log, 11 points away from league leaders.
Ingwe have been a bit stronger in their past five matches, winning four and have lost only once unlike K’Ogalo who have won three, drawn one and lost the rest.
Preparation
All sides are well prepared for the pulsating encounter. Ingwe have prepared their supporters for the match and are in high spirits to face their fellow giants.
#MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby
Isukuti beats
Gadaa beats
Entertaining footballKasarani is the place to be this Sunday afternoon
⚽️ @AFCLeopards vs @OfficialGMFC #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/nZ4rDyqT2E
— ⚡#MashemejiDerby 08/03/2020⚡ (@AFCLeopards) March 5, 2020
Tujaze Kasarani #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby https://t.co/PkdmpD8gWF
— ⚡#MashemejiDerby 08/03/2020⚡ (@AFCLeopards) March 4, 2020
K’Ogalo, on their flank, have mobilized their followers, encouraging them with statistics which they claim don’t lie. The league leaders are confident their winning streak in the derby will not be halted.
They say numbers don’t lie; head to head stats(league matches)#MashemejiDerby #Sirkal pic.twitter.com/NhlqRaVuFM
— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) March 4, 2020
Banter
As usual, the age-long rivals are known to engage in a war of words days before a face-off in the pitch. That’s no different this time around as the two sides have been engaging in endless banter on social media.
Check out this conversation;
Both teams believe they will master the other on that day.
We're painting Kasarani blue this Sunday
💙💙💙💙💙#OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/aJ7Q5ke4QH
— ⚡#MashemejiDerby 08/03/2020⚡ (@AFCLeopards) March 4, 2020
#MashemejiDerby is here with us, mark the date….let’s paint Kasarani green and white the #Sirkal way pic.twitter.com/yLkhOaudyt
— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) March 4, 2020
AFC Leopards, as hosts, gave out ticketing information;
#MashemejiDerby ticketing information #WeweNdioSponsor #OursForever #INGWE pic.twitter.com/CBsB5u2quk
— ⚡#MashemejiDerby 08/03/2020⚡ (@AFCLeopards) March 3, 2020
Gor reply with a teasing comment;
Communication from our loyal wife @AFCLeopards 😅 regarding the #MashemejiDerby.
√VVIP ticket @ ksh. 1000.00
√VIP ticket @ ksh. 500.00
√Terrace ticket @ ksh. 300.00#RoadTo19 #Sirkal— Gor Mahia FC (@FCGorMahia) March 4, 2020
AFC then warns Gor with for their cockiness;
#MashemejiDerby https://t.co/6fFQ0UXR64 pic.twitter.com/lnmqWzrtBu
— ⚡#MashemejiDerby 08/03/2020⚡ (@AFCLeopards) March 4, 2020
And the banter continues…..
#mashemejiderby
In 2002 @OfficialGMFC finished with a dismal 3 wins, 4 draws , 12 losses and a goal difference of minus 20 goals. Only Re-Union had a worse record. That season Gor Mahia was relegated from the top flight. pic.twitter.com/opf7IZ3Xgr— MAIDEN (adj) DREAMS (@mayday_snr) March 3, 2020
#MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby#MashemejiDerby #MashemejiDerby
6️⃣ Days remaining! ⚔️⚔️⚔️
RETWEET. SHARE. LIKE pic.twitter.com/tJaNnAjuni
— ⚡#MashemejiDerby 08/03/2020⚡ (@AFCLeopards) March 2, 2020
AFC Leopards must take advantage of the home match to bag maximum points in a bid to seal a good number following their improved form this season.
Gor Mahia, on their part, will be keen to extend the lead against aggressive Kakamega Homeboyz and Tusker, who are pressurizing them for a top finish.