Ingo Derby; No celebrations for Thiong'o against former employer

AFC Leopards forward Peter Thiong’o has promised not to celebrate should he score against his former employer Kakamega Homeboyz.

The two teams are set to clash on Sunday at the Bukhungu Stadium in a match dubbed ‘Ingo Derby’ with Leopards will be seeking their eighth win of the season with the hosts hoping to bounce back to their winning ways after playing Zoo FC to a 1-1 draw in their last match.

Thiong’o who ditched Homeboyz for Leopards last year in a dramatic fashion hit the ground running on Tuesday after netting the sole goal of the match when Ingwe repulsed Ulinzi Stars 1-0 at the Kasarani Stadium. The lanky winger said he will consider shelving his trademark somersault goal celebration in respect to the club which gave him the opportunity to play in the top flight.

“It is my job to score and assist and I wouldn’t mind squeezing one or two past the Homeboyz goalkeeper. However, I will not celebrate out of the respect I have for them. They gave me the chance to showcase my talent when I was new in the league and celebrating scoring against them is unprofessional,” he said.

The former Nakuru All Stars player who joined Homeboyz in December 2018 is glad to have ended his wait for his maiden goal in a Leopards shirt. The Olbolosat High School alumnus said the goal will inspire him to assist Elvis Rupia to bear the burden of scoring goals. Leopards have been over-relying on Rupia for goals and have struggled to win matches when the former Nzioa Sugar man is caged.

“The goal got the pressure off my shoulders and I can now focus on helping the team to achieve its targets. We have been relying on Rupia and it is time the club has another different consistent goal scorer," he added.