Mashemeji Derby: ‘I do not know much about AFC Leopards’ – Gor Mahia’s Muguna

Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna has conceded he knows little about their sworn rivals AFC Leopards ahead of Sunday’s Football Kenyan Federation Premier League Mashemeji Derby at Kasarani Stadium.

Ingwe have started the 2020/21 season on a high and after eight games they are fourth on the table with 18 points while the reigning champions are sixth on the log with 15 points from as many games.

The soft-speaking skipper has, however, insisted his charges are ready for their rivals, stating that past results will play no role in this weekend’s outing.

“I do not know much about [Leopards] because I have not watched most of their games,” Muguna said ahead of the game.

“But what I do know is that they are a good team and we are ready for them because we are a good team too.  

“Winning brings confidence to the group but we are not relying on past matches. Those are now gone, and we have a big task ahead of us which needs us to work hard to get results.”

The fans will not be allowed into the stadium owing to Covid-19. It is the first time the supporters will be missing out on supporting their favourite team in the Mashemeji Derby.

The 2016 league’s Most Valuable Player has stated how it will impact the game on Sunday.

“The atmosphere will be different but this is a job and we have to do it no matter whether fans are there or not,” Muguna added.

“The players know the importance of this match and we will have to represent the fans on the pitch and get the victory for them. I urge them to stay away if they will not be allowed in the stadium and we will get a good result on the day.”  

The two Kenyan giants will face off with K’Ogalo keen to maintain their dominance over Ingwe, who are yet to beat Gor Mahia in their last seven matches with the best result against their rivals coming in the 1-1 draw of the 2017-18 season with Gor Mahia winning the second round fixture 1-0.

Last season, Gor Mahia won both encounters, beating Ingwe 4-1 in the first round match before edging them out by a solitary goal en-route to winning their fourth straight league title.