Gor Mahia defender admits to pressure ahead of Mashemeji Derby debut

Gor Mahia defender Bryton Onyona has acknowledged the weight of expectation resting on the team ahead of the much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards on Sunday, 7 December at Nyayo National Stadium.

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The 98th edition of Kenya’s most storied football rivalry arrives at a crucial moment for K’Ogalo, and Onyona, speaking in an interview with the club ahead of his first-ever derby appearance, admitted that the unique intensity of the clash is already being felt within the camp.

He noted that derby encounters strip away form, statistics, and predictions, leaving only passion, pride, and an unyielding desire to emerge victorious.

“Definitely the pressure is there because it is a derby,” Onyona said. “Everywhere in the world, a derby is always a derby. There are no underdogs. Yes, the pressure to claim victory and bragging rights is real, but we want to stay calm, treat it as a normal game, and not let the moment overwhelm us. The motive is simple: win the match.”

The youthful defender has been enjoying a remarkable rise in recent months, cementing his place in Gor Mahia’s starting eleven, before earning his first Harambee Stars call-up, which culminated in his debut against Senegal during the November international window.

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Onyona emphasized the importance of producing a strong response, following Gor Mahia’s shock 4–1 defeat to APS Bomet a fortnight ago, one of the club’s heaviest results in recent memory.

He believes the derby presents an ideal opportunity to make amends and reaffirm their title charge.

“The build-up and preparations are going well. We lost our last match, so we have to do much better to win on Sunday,” he explained.

“A win will strengthen our position at the top of the table, which is something we are very keen to maintain. Let the fans wage the battles outside, we will focus on getting the job done on the pitch.”

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Victory for Gor Mahia will lift them to 22 points and create a three-point cushion at the summit, with closest challengers Kakamega Homeboyz sitting out the weekend action.

K’Ogalo enter the derby as favourites, and will be aiming to extend their dominance in the historic fixture by securing their 34th win over Ingwe.