Philemon Otieno urges charges not to underestimate AFC Leopards ahead of Sunday's Mashemeji Derby.
Gor Mahia captain Philemon Otieno has cautioned his teammates against underestimating AFC Leopards as the two sides prepare to face off in a crucial Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
With both teams vying for the league title, the stakes are higher than ever. Leopards sit fifth in the league with 36 points, trailing leaders Kenya Police by nine points.
A win would narrow that gap to just six. Meanwhile, Gor Mahia, currently third with 42 points, are keen on securing a third consecutive league title, making this derby a pivotal encounter.
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Gor Mahia have dominated recent derbies, winning the last two meetings, including a narrow 1-0 victory in their most recent clash, where Austin Odhiambo capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Levis Opiyo.
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated fixture, Otieno highlighted how his leadership has been instrumental in preparing younger players for the high-pressure environment they will face at the packed stadium.
“We have played a big role in helping them understand the importance of this game because many of them have not played in the derby before,” Otieno explained. “We are using our experience to guide them.”
The captain also emphasized that AFC Leopards, under the stewardship of Fred Ambani, cannot be taken lightly.
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“I expect a tough game. AFC Leopards are doing well at the moment. It is a big game, and we cannot underestimate them,” he noted.
With a large turnout of fans expected, tensions could run high, but Otieno called for calm and mutual respect among supporters from both camps.
“I want to urge all fans, whether supporting AFC Leopards or Gor Mahia, to maintain peace before, during, and after the game,” he said.
Reflecting on the league season, Otieno acknowledged the competitive nature of the campaign but remained optimistic about Gor Mahia’s title ambitions.
“Most clubs have been performing well this season, and the league is tough from top to bottom. However, our objective remains clear—to win the title.”
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Despite his crucial role at the club, Otieno was reluctant to discuss his future after recently signing a six-month contract extension.
“Gor Mahia is like family to me. I have been here for a long time, and right now, my focus is on helping the team succeed in the next two games. My contractual situation is not something I want to discuss at the moment,” he concluded.
As Gor Mahia seek to maintain their dominance and AFC Leopards aim to break their derby drought, all eyes will be on Nyayo Stadium for what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested Mashemeji Derbies in recent years.