AFC Leopards legend Mickey Weche on who will lift the title after Mashemeji Derby victory
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 23.04.26. | 18:06
The former defender played for Leopards between 1984 to 1990
AFC Leopards will take a giant leap towards the FKF Premier League title if they humble their eternal rivals, Gor Mahia, in Sunday’s high-stakes Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo National Stadium.
This is the bold assessment of respected Leopards legend and former Kenya international Mickey Weche, who believes victory in the 99th edition of the rivalry would put Ingwe firmly in the driving seat of the title race.
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The derby comes at a pivotal juncture of the season, with the two title-chasing giants separated by just three points and both looking to bounce back after dropping valuable points in their previous outings.
Although Gor Mahia top the standings, Weche maintains that AFC Leopards can swing the title race in their favour and end their near three-decade wait for the crown if they get the better of K’Ogalo.
Weche, who wore the Leopards shirt between 1984 and 1990, argues that a win over Gor Mahia would have a massive psychological impact on both camps, boosting Ingwe’s confidence while dealing a significant blow to the record champion's morale.
The former defender further referenced the tight English Premier League title race, pointing to Arsenal’s dip in form since losing the Carabao Cup final to their closest rivals, Manchester City, a scenario he believes could be mirrored in Kenya after the derby.
"A win for Leopards on Sunday is probably what they need to edge closer to the league title. In fact, three points will see the team have one hand on the crown. Beating Gor Mahia would not only close the gap but also deliver a major psychological boost.
It could resemble the situation in England, where Arsenal have struggled for form since meeting Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final," said Weche, who has for the longest coached at Strathmore School.
Presently coaching Kuza Soccer Academy, Weche was quick to note that a win for Leopards is far from guaranteed despite Gor having failed to win their last three matches and scoring just a single goal during that difficult spell.
Weche, commonly known as T9 among his peers, says Leopards players will need to be at their best in a contest that has proven not to be a respecter of past results or current form.
“We have an upper hand going into the derby despite losing our last game 3-0 to Kenya Police. Gor Mahia have been struggling, and I am pleased that our players have capitalised on their dip in form to close the gap. However, past results count for nothing in a derby.
We must be at our best and make every chance count. Gor will also be pushing for maximum points, which makes the encounter even more tricky and challenging," said the Dagoretti High School alumnus.
Besides bringing their A game, Weche, who joined Leopards as a striker before transitioning into a defender, cited coach Fred Ambani’s strong record in the fixture, both as a player and as a tactician.
Ambani is yet to taste defeat in the derby, a record he hopes to maintain on Sunday.
“I am confident our coach will do everything possible to preserve his record in this fixture. He has been known to deliver positive results in the derby since his playing days, and I hope he will keep that record intact on Sunday. The players should also strive to ensure the record is not broken," said the former Mackenzie Hughes player.
Meanwhile, the man who was part of the team that represented the country at the 1987 All Africa Games has confirmed his attendance at the derby.
Mozzart Sport understands that Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo has organised entry for 20 AFC Leopards legends, with Gor Mahia also set to contribute a similar number.
Owalo has been actively working with the golden generation of players from the 1980s and 1990s, engaging them in football clinics and related initiatives.