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We don’t fear Gor: AFC’s Miheso relishing 'Mashemeji' derby

AFC Leopards forward Clifton Miheso passes the ball during a past Football Kenya Federation Premier League match. 

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

By  John Ashihundu

Correspondent

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Gor Mahia lie third on the league table with 54 points from 31 matches, while Leopards, who last beat K'Ogalo 2-1 in April 2023, are in sixth position with 46 from 31 games.
  • Leaders Kenya Police hold a seven-point advantage over Gor Mahia, while Tusker are second on 55. Both have played 32 matches. Gate charges are Sh3,000 for VIP and Sh300 for regular.

AFC Leopards captain Clifton Miheso says that they respect Gor Mahia but don’t fear them at all.

“We are scared of no one in Gor’s line-up. There is no fear at all. The moral in our  camp is high and everybody is ready for the assignment,” Miheso said yesterday ahead of the derby showdown at the 12,000- capacity Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay tomorrow.

“We played there against Shabana last year so it won’t be unfamiliar to most of the players. The only change is that a derby is always special, the biggest match in our football calendar. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience.

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As a player I can’t wait for Monday,” added the attacking midfielder who appealed to fans from both sides to maintain order throughout the game.

Miheso, 32, also appealed to the security to be keen to ensure fans behave.

“As usual, a Mashemeji derby attracts a big crowd so the home team should make sure the stadium has enough security to counter any trouble. Everybody just needs to keep their heads calm and go and enjoy as we expect fans to come along with their families,” he said.

“All the pressure will be on them because they are still chasing the league title but we’re not going into it relaxed. We know it is going to be really hard for us, but we want to win and keep the bragging rights for our fans. Beating arch-rivals means everything. We’ve beaten them before and we’re focused on the three points.

The match was moved to Homa Bay because of the unavailability of Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre that are undergoing renovations for the delayed 2024 Africa Nations Championship in August.

Gor Mahia lie third on the league table with 54 points from 31 matches, while Leopards, who last beat K'Ogalo 2-1 in April 2023, are in sixth position with 46 from 31 games.

Leaders Kenya Police hold a seven-point advantage over Gor Mahia, while Tusker are second on 55. Both have played 32 matches. Gate charges are Sh3,000 for VIP and Sh300 for regular.