Expect tough test, Leopards warn Gor ahead of derby clash

AFC Leopards team manager Gilbert Selebwa has warned Gor Mahia to expect nothing but a mouth-watering tie when the two sides lock horns in Saturday’s Mashemeji’ derby to be staged at the  Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani .

K’Ogalo who play Sofapaka on Wednesday afternoon at Narok Stadium will be crowned the 2018 champions if they collect maximum points from the 2009 champions ‘Batoto ba Mungu’ as well as 1998 champions AFC Leopards.

Ingwe who have not tested defeat in the league since losing 2-1 to Gor Mahia in July 22 is however aiming to silence their bitter rivals for the first time after four unfruitful attempts.

“We are ready for the derby and as things stand our head coach Zapata now has full knowledge of our rivals in terms of play,”Selebwa said.

Leopards who are 17 points behind leaders Gor have managed four straight wins – against Vihiga United,Mathare United, Nakumatt FC and Thika United – with their striking department looking lethal, scoring nine goals in those matches.

Selebwa also hopes that Ingwe can take advantage of a Gor side that is fatigued after playing so many matches and make the most out of the situation.

“They (Gor) are tired and we are looking forward to use that opportunity. They are supposed to play USM-Algers of Algeria three days after the derby and so that is definitely going to affect them,”the former Congo United coach added.

Leopards’ striker Alex Orotomal is in contention to start on Saturday after netting four goals yesterday in a friendly match against the National Super League side GSU.

Selebwa who is boasting of a much improved striking department added that the team has worked on its defensive frailties witnessed in the last derby which saw Salim Abdalla give away a back pass that led to a goal from Gor’s danger man Jacques Tuyisenge .