- AFC Leopards winger James Kinyanjui will make his debut in the Mashemeji Derby when they face Gor Mahia on Sunday.
- For Kinyanjui, this clash goes beyond bragging rights- it’s a deeply personal mission of honour.
- Gor Mahia will host Ingwe at Nyayo Stadium, but Kinyanjui is confident his side can pull off a stunning result.
The 98th Mashemeji Derby, set for Sunday December 7 at the Nyayo National Stadium is arguably the biggest fixture in the Kenyan football calendar.
But for AFC Leopards winger James Kinyanjui, this debut clash against eternal rivals Gor Mahia transcends mere bragging rights – it’s a deeply personal mission of honour.
Kinyanjui will take to the pitch with a heavy heart, dedicating his first-ever derby to his late sister.
ALSO READ: AFC Leopards Captain Victor Omune confident of beating Gor Mahia in Mashemeji Derby
AFC Leopards winger James Kinyanjui dedicates his first-ever Mashemeji Derby to his late sister
The winger demonstrated immense courage by playing through grief in the club’s last match against Kariobangi Sharks, where he provided the assist for Victor Omune’s equaliser.
I’m playing for my late sister this derby and playing for AFC Leopards. It’s a club that I’ve always wanted to play for, and now that I’m here, I want to make our fans proud,” Kinyanjui stated ahead of the weekend clash.
The deadline day signing from KCB FC has quickly cemented his position in the Ingwe attack, backing his selection with undeniable numbers.
ALSO READ: Mashemeji Derby countdown: Tracing the bold players who crossed the Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards divide
So far, Kinyanjui has delivered four assists and scored one goal ,against Mathare United, in the Sportpesa League. With the national team winger’s eyes fixed on a season target of ten assists and five goals.
The former bankers man views the match as a career defining moment.
“It will be a big step in my career, it has never happened in my entire footballing career, it will be my first time playing in the derby, I feel proud and I’m waiting for the moment.”
Kinyanjui backs AFC Leopards to beat Gor Mahia
Despite Gor Mahia’s strong lead at the top of the table, Kinyanjui remains confident Speaking to members of the press on Thursday morning,he says the den is calm
“There is no pressure, the players are prepared and ready for the match. We are going to win against Gor Mahia, I have that feeling and belief that we are capable.”
The boyhood Ingwe fan believes the reception was key to hitting the ground running.
“I’ve always wanted to play for AFC Leopards, I’m grateful for the chance and happy to be here; they welcomed me well.”
ALSO READ: ‘Gor Mahia is coming’ – inform AFC Leopards warned ahead of upcoming Mashemeji Derby
Gor Mahia will welcome the 1998 champions on Sunday at Nyayo from 3 PM in what is expected to be defining moment for the 2025/26 Sportpesa League season.
Ingwe under Fred Ambani are yet to lose a Mashemeji Derby after last season back to back draws while Kogalo will be hoping to bounce back from the shocking 4-1 defeat to APS Bomet to hand Ghanaian Charles Akonnor his first derby win.
