Kenya local team Gor Mahia supporters chant along Nairobi streets on July 24, 2011 as they marched towards Nyayo National Stadium. The wait is finally over! At the capacity 35, 000 stadium, the two Kenyan Premier League giants - Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards ‘Ingwe’- will do battle, in what promises to be another fiercely contested encounter as the city comes to a complete standstill for the country’s most anticipated derby. PHOTO/TOM MARUKO
By ALLAN BULUKU, abuluku@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Sunday, July 24 2011 at 11:41
Posted Sunday, July 24 2011 at 11:41
Finally, the time has come. After verbal jousting, the planets in the footballing universe have aligned this evening and the stars are about to collide in the most spectacular fashion imaginable.
Already Gor fans are painting Nairobi city green chanting and singing 'war' and 'victory' songs ahead of the titanic clash.
As usual the fans, with one of them on a horse, armed with drums and other musical paraphernalia, arrived in town mid morning Sunday to declare their allegiance to the lakeside club before heading to Nyayo stadium to lay ground for the much-awaited duel.
At the 35-000 seater Nyayo National Stadium, two pedigree practitioners of the finest sport in Kenya will do impossibly brilliant battle with each other under the enchanted gaze of thousands present and millions more surveying the scene from the comfort of their armchair.
For the victors, the rewards will be plentiful; For the losers, abject misery awaits. It is an occasion like no other. This is the big one!
Thirteen-time Premier League champions AFC Leopards lock horns with bitter rivals Gor Mahia this afternoon in what promises to be an explosive encounter.
Thirteen-time Premier League champions AFC Leopards lock horns with bitter rivals Gor Mahia this afternoon in what promises to be an explosive encounter.
These two clubs share a rich history. Between them, they’ve won 25 league titles – AFC (13) and Gor (12) – since the tournament’s inception in 1963. They are the oldest clubs in the league, Leopards clocking 37 this year and Gor 34. They command the largest following because primary membership is by birth.
As ‘Ingwe’ pits its wits against a charismatic Gor side enjoying a wide fan base in the country, the hype and buzz surrounding the build-up has been phenomenal.
Pinging passes
From Malaba to Vanga, Wajir to Kisumu, football fans have been waiting for ‘The Big One’ since the season began.
Leopards, just limping from a poor run, need good luck this Sunday. They’ve certainly had their fair share of bad luck this season. Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s charges have emerged in the eyes of some as favourites to triumph.
Leopards, just limping from a poor run, need good luck this Sunday. They’ve certainly had their fair share of bad luck this season. Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s charges have emerged in the eyes of some as favourites to triumph.
Truth be told, Gor is the most entertaining team in the Premier League. Their passing is monotonously fantastic and their fans - feisty and lovely - are fiercely loyal. It’s always a joy to watch Gor play.
The atmosphere in their matches is often electrifying. They are also technically more able than their opponents at keeping possession in tight situations and pinging passes around dazzled opponents as though playing five-a-side.
Full potential
Their mid-season signing - the indefatigable midfielder Demonde Selenga - has added flair to a team already brimming with talent.
Offloaded by Leopards in June in acrimonious circumstances, Selenga has plenty of scores to settle with his former employer.
In the dread-locked player, Gor have a man who can pull the strings in midfield and disrupt the opponents’ pattern.
Though he’s yet to score this season, if he plays to his full potential, Leopards are in for a very busy afternoon.
Though he’s yet to score this season, if he plays to his full potential, Leopards are in for a very busy afternoon.
Before their narrow 2-1 away victory against Thika United last weekend, Leopards had gone five games without a win. Their line-up, which has chopped and changed all season, is yet to produce results.
But that valuable victory in Thika boosted morale in the team.
This afternoon, Leopards must claim the three points, otherwise the green shoots of recovery after that poor start to the season will be burned in the Nyayo sun.
Aware of the enormity of the task that lies ahead, Leopards coach Jan Koops has urged ‘Ingwe’ fans to turn up in their thousands to rally behind the boys.
“I urge our fans to turn out in large numbers to cheer the boys who have promised to win. We are well prepared for this task. We won’t let you down.
“This is our biggest moment and I hope we can build on our victory last weekend to win this game. We are looking forward to a great game,” said Koops.
Well, until the final whistle signals a call to pop the champagne, Leopards cannot afford to be distracted.
Much is expected from striker Mike Barasa, seasoned player Charles Okwemba and their inspirational captain, Nicholas Muyoti.
After his brilliant display in Thika last weekend, Barasa will this afternoon need to summon that fighting spirit to down K’Ogalo.
In Thika, he showed pace, power and poise to put the hosts to the sword. He’s sharp on goal and can destroy any defence on a good day.
In Thika, he showed pace, power and poise to put the hosts to the sword. He’s sharp on goal and can destroy any defence on a good day.
Against Thika, he collected Okwemba’s pass from 20 yards in the 50th minute, jinked past two opponents then – with typical dexterity – fired a rocket of a shot that left goalkeeper David Okello stranded.
Barasa has also dovetailed well with Francis Chinjili, and their partnership will be key to Leopards’ success.
Barasa has also dovetailed well with Francis Chinjili, and their partnership will be key to Leopards’ success.
Overnight stay
In this clash of titans, it’s sinful to be a fence sitter. That’s why I will be joining Isikuti dancers at the stadium to root for ‘Ingwe’.
Colleague Charles Nyende aptly captured the moment in the Saturday Nation yesterday: “Some of the home fans (Gor are the hosts) might even have slept in the stadium overnight to ensure no rival fans came around to survey the venue (read influence the outcome of the eagerly-awaited derby).
“It will be passionate and it will be pulsating at Nyayo Stadium when K’Ogalo and Ingwe meet in a glorious way that only football can bring. You really have to be there to believe it.”
Whoever conquers Nyayo today remains to be seen but one thing is for sure, this match is going to be a cracker.
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