Roaring Leopards out to claw K’Ogalo

AFC Leopards head coach Robert Matano is optimistic his side will beat Gor Mahia when the two teams meet this Sunday in the Super Cup clash at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru from 3 pm.

The Super Cup match is a traditional curtain-raiser played between Kenyan Premier League champions and winners of the domestic knockout Cup competition, now known as the GOtv-shield, a week before season kick-off.

“We’re  gearing for the game.Everything is running smoothly and I’m confident we’ll beat Gor Mahia come this Sunday,” Matano said.

Matano, however, said his motive is to guide the team to finish in a better position; keeping in mind that his team, last season, finished in a not so impressive slot.

“Last season, we finished at position 8 which was not satisfactory. I am hoping for the best this season, and our aim is to secure a top-four slot which is achievable.”

Elsewhere, Gor Mahia who beat KCCA 4-2 last weekend in a friendly match have upped their training ahead of the weekend showdown.

Club assistant secretary general Ronald Ngala is equally bullish that the Dylan Kerr coached side will get one better of the big cats.

“We have played a couple of friendlies, the last one being against KCCA in which we beat them. I believe the head coach has marked some of the players including new signings who will be used in the Mashemeji Derby(weekend meeting). We won the Cup last season, and we are doing the same this season, so I am warning Ingwee to be ready for disappointments,” Ngala charged.

Gor Mahia launch their title defence against Nakumatt  FC on February 3, while Leopards confront Posta Rangers on February 4.

The Super Cup match will also serve as preparations for the Caf assignments where Gor, in Champions League, will play Leon Vegetarianos of Equatorial Guinea in the preliminary round while Ingwe will face Fosa Junior from Madagascar.