Gor Mahia, Leopards ready to renew rivalry

AFC Leopards warmed up to Sunday’s Kenyan Premier League Nairobi derby with a 2-0 win over Nairobi City Stars as their rivals Gor Mahia coach Bobby Williamson promised club fans of victory when the two sides clash.

Leopards produced a near-perfect display as they came from behind to win the first leg derby 3-1 for their first win over K’Ogalo in the league in two years.

That was their last victory in the league until Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Nairobi City Stars which ended a four match winless streak by Ingwe. It is also the last time Gor Mahia lost in the league.

(READ: Tusker drown KCB, Leopards claw City Stars at Nyayo)

Now coach Williamson says it is time for Gor Mahia to turn the tables over their bitter rivals.

“We have put the first leg behind us. We are focused on the big match on Sunday,” he said when Gor Mahia unveiled their new kits on Wednesday.

“It is not about revenge but we need all three points to maintain our position at the top,” added the Scotsman.

Williamson knows it is important to collect the vital points more so with Tusker breathing down their necks. On Wednesday, the brewers hit relegation threatened KCB 2-0 at Ruaraka to close the gap at the top to three points.

Williamson says Leopards’ poor run should not be misconstrued that they will be push overs in the derby.

BACK IN THE FOLD

“You saw how they played with hunger in the first leg. Dynamics of a derby are usually very different. Previous form does not count,” he stated.

Williamson, who guided Gor Mahia to the league title last year, is yet to beat Leopards since his appointment at K’Ogalo’s helm. He has drawn once and lost once in the league and also lost in last season’s GOtv Shield final.

Gor Mahia will be boosted by the return of Ugandan striker Dan Sserunkuma who missed the 1-0 victory over Top Fry Nakuru more than a week ago and the post-match penalties loss to GFE 105 in the GOtv Shield in Nakuru at the weekend.

The Ugandan duo of Godfrey Walusimbi and Geoffrey Kizito are also back from international duty to boost Gor Mahia.

AFC Leopards will welcome Noah Wafula - who scored one of the two goals against City Stars - while Timonah Wanyonyi is back in the fold after patching up his differences with the club management.

Wanyonyi was the lone scorer for Gor Mahia in the first leg derby before making a switch to the den.

Leopards coach Pieter de Jongh says the victory over City Stars was very important to them.

“You have seen the fans were beginning to despair. This win will definitely bring them back to the stadium on Sunday. We are ready for the big match against Gor Mahia,” he said.

Gor Mahia lead the league table with 37 points, three ahead of Tusker while AFC leopards are 1Oth with 22 points after 18 rounds. Gor will be donning their new Joma kit which they launched on Wednesday.

This story first appeared on SportOn!