- This will be the first Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia that Fred Ambani will be leading as the Ingwe head coach.
- Ambani laments that he is unfazed by the derby, as he knows what to do and is confident of the win.
- The Mashemeji Derby will be played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, 30th, at 4:00 PM.
AFC Leopards’ head coach Fred Ambani has expressed that he is not concerned about the upcoming Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium.
This highly anticipated match marks the first leg of the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation season having postponed twice due to the unavailability of a suitable stadium.
Both teams are in strong form recently, with Gor Mahia, the Kenya record champions, sitting third in the standings with 42 points under their new head coach Sinisa Mihic.
Meanwhile, AFC Leopards, under the guidance of interim head coach Ambani, are just six points behind with 36 points.
Despite Gor Mahia’s higher position, Ambani who will be leading Ingwe to his first Derby, remains confident of a competitive match. For him, it’s a regular fixture, despite the rivalry it represents for the fans.
“Personally, as a coach, I view this match as just another game, although I understand its significance to the fans. I am treating it like any other match, despite the derby’s intensity.
I am fully aware of the emotions involved, so we are preparing to meet the challenge head-on. Gor Mahia has a new coach, but we have been together for some time, so we will make sure we are fully prepared for the match,” Ambani told Azam TV.
ALSO READ: Mashemeji Derby: Shikanda announces online ticket sale, warns against stadium access without passes
He further emphasized the importance of mentally preparing players who have never experienced the Mashemeji Derby.
“The most important thing is to prepare those who have never played in the derby mentally. We will train them but the psychological preparation is the primary task to ensure they can handle the atmosphere and the magnitude of the fans in the stadium,” Ambani explained.
Ambani not worried of the Mashemeji Derby
Ambani, who took over from the dismissed Czech coach Thomas Trucha in December 2024 assured that he is unfazed by the derby.
Having played in the fixture during his time as a player at the club, he understands the demands it brings.
“All in all, we need to ensure the players are ready both mentally, tactically and physically. Personally, I’m not worried about the derby.
I’ve played in it before, and I know what it takes and what to do. My players have been ready for this match all along; it’s just that it has been postponed,” he said.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia: Why Austin Odhiambo can play major role in delayed Mashemeji Derby
Ambani also urged the fans to turn out in large numbers to witness how his team will tackle Gor Mahia and promised that they will deliver a strong performance at home on Sunday.
Gor Mahia, who are set to host the second leg on April 6, 2025, won both derbies last season and have only lost once in the last 16 encounters between the two clubs.
