Shaka outlines what AFC Leopards must do to triumph in Mashameji Derby

After notching up his first goal for AFC Leopards, Burundian import Bienvenue Shaka is eager to come up against arch-rivals Gor Mahia in his first Mashemeji Derby on Sunday, February 7.

Ingwe are in pursuit of their first win against K'Ogalo in five years as they last tasted victory in Football Kenya Federation Premier League's (FKFPL) biggest clash back in 2016 when Lamine Diallo scored the lone goal.

Since signing for AFC Leopards back in October from Tunisian giants Etoile Sportif du Sahel, Shaka has endured a barren spell in front of goal but finally broke his duck in the clash against Posta Rangers.

Shaka who will be playing in the first Mashemeji Derby revealed what Ingwe need to work in order to win the Mashemeji Derby but was coy about predicting the match. 

“This is a very big game, it is one of the most followed games in the country, an encounter that requires maximum concentration and some intelligence to win and I’m looking forward to the game. 

“As of now I really cannot tell who will win the derby because it is very tough to predict all I can say it is going to be a difficult game, Gor will not give us an easy task,” Shaka told MozzartSport.

The 21-year-old scored what turned out to be the match-winner against The Mailmen after displaying his predatory instincts, reacting fast to an Elvis Rupia header that was palmed by the keeper to fire the ball into the net.

Shaka now joins an elite list of Ingwe players who have scored this season with Rupia, skipper Robinson Kamura and Aziz Okaka the only other scorers.

The energetic midfielder who works his socks off in the middle of the pack admitted that his goal drought affected him as he found himself in unfamiliar territories. 

“I feel elated after my first goal because my barren spell has really been bothering me, I’m not used to going for long spells without scoring the goal but then again this is a new league to me.

“AFC is a big team that tabled an offer I could not say to, I have so far enjoyed my stay after suffering a slight injury in Tunisia, I’m slowly regaining my form,” he added. 

Shaka also revealed that he has had a slight issue with language as he only speaks French and broken Swahili but credited his coach and teammates for helping him settle into the club smoothly.