AFC Leopards assistant coach Fred Ambani has hinted that the team is ready for the upcoming Mashemeji derby and is confident that Gor Mahia will not emerge as winners this season.
AFC Leopards are set to face off against Gor Mahia on 24th November in the first match just after the international break.
Both teams will have two weeks to improve themselves before the game as the start to the season has not been kind to either side.
The pressure has been mounting on both the players, coaches and the technical team due to the poor results, and the latest edition of the Mashemeji Derby could be one of the deciding factors in in easing the mounting pressure.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 390 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
Speaking after their 1-1 draw against Mara Sugar on Sunday at Dandora Stadium, Ambani acknowledged the pressure but urged the fans to be patient with the team as they continue to recover from injuries.
“I urge our fans to be patient with us. Even if we have disappointed you, kindly stick with us,” he said. “Injuries and the reluctance of some players have contributed to our recent poor performances.”
When asked how the performance and results of the Mara Sugar match relate to the upcoming Mashemeji derby, Ambani said the game has motivated them to go back to the drawing board and rectify their mistakes.
“This game has motivated us and given us the morale to face Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji derby. During the two-week break before the derby, we will have rectified our mistake. I promise we will be different from what people may expect,” he noted.
ALSO READ: Firat highlights challenges Harambee Stars must overcome in final AFCON 2025 qualifiers
Ambani also spoke about how they are preparing to face Gor Mahia in the highly anticipated derby.
“We always watch how Gor Mahia play their football, so we will work on analyzing their style and finding ways to beat them,” he said.
The former AFC Leopards player is confident that the Green Army will not be able to defeat them this season, stating that last season was their last successful attempt.
“Last season was the last Mashemeji derby in which Gor Mahia scored and beat us. I do not think they will score against us again,” he reiterated.
Mashemeji Derby 1st leg – 24 November
ALSO READ: Kenya 7s land in Dubai 7s group of death in first tournament back on the World Series