B. OdhiamboMashemeji Derby: Masika tips AFC Leopards to flourish against Gor
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 05.10.23. | 16:12
The defender turned out for both entities before making a swap to now-defunct Ushuru FC.
Former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards central defender Erick Masika is confident that Ingwe will emerge victorious in Saturday's Mashemeji Derby against archrivals K'Ogallo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Masika started his top-flight career with Gor Mahia turning out for the record Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions four years before making a switch to the Big Cats in 2012.
During his five seasons with the two football giants in Kenya, the stylish defender took part in nine derbies; however, he tasted his first derby win in the famous blue and white colors in the 2015 Derby edition.
Masika insists that Ingwe's recent run in the league will not count on Saturday since their focus is to garner all three points, and he believes his former side are up to the task.
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Although the veteran center back believes it will be a competitive encounter, he says current form does not count much in the derby, and the big cats will strive to collect maximum points so as to boast their morale this season.
"This is a competitive game and hard to predict. However, derbies don’t carry form. A lot of people are talking about how Ingwe are winless, though I believe this team has what it takes to shake off the Gor threat," said the former Ushuru defender.
He, however, acknowledges Gor's preparedness for the huge clash encounter, perfectly pointing out Mahia's new signings as a threat to the limping Cats, but he remains optimistic that the 12-time champions will shut down the marauding Chour Timbe.
"Gor have a formidable side with new signings like Mugisha, who can be a thorn in the flesh for the defenders with his passes, but I still maintain AFC will carry the day," he concluded.
Masika started his football career in 2009 and played as a defender for both Gor Mahia and the AFC Leopards. After retiring as a footballer, he started coaching in Kibera, where he used his knowledge as a player to help empower some of the young footballers in his area.
He was recently handed the mandate to lead Kona Rangers back into the FKF Division One League as their head coach.
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