Mashemeji Derby: AFC Leopards head coach uses 28-year league title drought to inspire players
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 25.04.26. | 20:01
Ahead of the match, Gor Mahia are at the summit of the league table with 58 points, three more than Leopards, with Ingwe now targeting a win that would draw them level on points and reignite their title chances
AFC Leopards' 28-year wait for an FKF Premier League title has been one of the inspirations head coach Fred Ambani has turned to ahead of the upcoming top-of-the-table Mashemeji Derby.
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Ingwe are set to face off with their arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the 99th Mashemeji Derby scheduled for Sunday, 26 April, at the Nyayo National Stadium from 1500 hrs.
Ahead of the match, Gor Mahia are at the summit of the league table with 58 points, three more than Leopards, with Ingwe now targeting a win that would draw them level on points and reignite their title chances.
Speaking to Azam Sports on the sidelines of the team's training session at the Marist International University, Karen, Ambani urged his players to angle for victory that would go a long way in their quest to quench their 28-year league title drought.
“The derby has come at a time when it is a very important match and with the potential to decide the direction of the league.
I have prepared the players to know that the last time the team won the league was in 1998, and as someone who was part of the team, I am proud of it,” said Ambani.
“It is now their (players') turn to be part of history by winning the league, and so looking at it from that perspective helps them to recognise how important this game will be to them,” he stated.
This is the first derby in years that will play a significant role in the title race as the two arch-rivals battle it out for the title.
“A win in the derby would also give us a good direction and the mentality to know that it is possible and stay positive,” he added
Additionally, the former Zoo FC tactician is pegging his hope on the team’s reaction to their 3-0 loss to Kenya Police FC in their last match.
“I am glad that the players are taking it positively, at least according to how they train, despite coming from a loss. We are preparing the team mentally, just as we are also doing physically and tactically,” he remarked.