Leopards, Gor breathe fire ahead of Super Cup duel

There will be everything to fight for in the Super Cup Mashemeji derby on Sunday, both AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia sides have charged despite the season opener bringing no prize money on the table.

After taking a big U-turn from the rumours of withdrawal from the match, Leopards are lurking on Gor’s scalp whose calmness ahead of the derby has been immense.

Speaking to Radio Citizen, club Chairman Dan Mule warned K’Ogalo to brace themselves for a fierce battle at the Afraha Stadium, Nakuru.

“Those reports that we had thought of withdrawing are behind us. Naysayers also reported our players boycotted training which was not true. We just had given them a one day rest after playing Uganda’s KCCA.

“We are therefore highly motivated and ready for Gor. I invite all Ingwe supporters to come to the stadium in large numbers and witness the slaying of our Mashemeji (in-laws),” a bullish Mule charged.

Mule also noted they will be playing for pride, besides using the match as part of warm up towards the forthcoming Confederations Cup fixtures.

“I want our supporters to see what we have been doing in the pre-season and the new players we have signed. We have a good team and I believe this will be the start of a bright season ahead,” noted the soft spoken Chairman.

On his side, skipper Duncan Otieno echoed Mule’s side saying Sunday’s macth should be a great season’s precursor.

“Last season was not so good for the team but we at least won the Shield and that’s why are playing in the Super Cup. This year everything is in order and the preparations have been good. Our aim is to do better than last season. We want to start on a good note by winning the Super Cup,” Otieno said.

Expect fireworks

Gor’s Deputy Secretary General Ronald Ngala told Citizen Digital there will be no room for complacency in the match, despite the said hitches that hit their opponent’s camp earlier in the week.

“We know derbies have something special beyond a team’s form. That’s why we want to give our best and ensure we start the season on a winning note. We may have lost key players but we have replaced them with very quality ones.  We expect fireworks tomorrow (Sunday),” Ngala offered.

The match will offer both coaches Dylann Kerr and Robert Matano (of Gor and Leopards) with an opportunity to parade test the several new players the clubs have registered.

It will go to straight decisive penalties in case of a draw in regulation time, with the winners taking home medals and the trophy.