Mashemeji Derby: Tom Juma backs Leopards to corner K’Ogalo

AFC Leopards head coach Tom Juma is convinced the big cats are ready to silence their arch-rivals Gor Mahia in Saturday’s Mashemeji derby set for the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Juma who last played for Leopards in 1998 – the last they won the coveted gong – is upbeat that his squad has come of age and will not disappoint when they line up for the duel.

Leopards are struggling for form having failed to win their first five matches and the gaffer believes a win for the giants could throw a spanner in the works as far as turning the club’s fortunes around.

He however acknowledges Gor as a tough opponent noting that at Leopards there are no easy games with all teams in the league training hard to beat the former champions

“At AFC there are no easy games all matches are tough and teams usually come with the mentality of beating us and Gor are not different from them. So, we expect a tough game but we are up to the task to dispatch them

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“We trained really well with the derby clash in our mind. We hope for good results against them at the end of 90 minutes, “Juma, a revered ball-winning midfielder in his days, said.

Juma also wants the Ingwe nation to turn up in record numbers and fill the imposing 60,000-seater stadium to form cauldron.

The support of the 12th man will play a part in settling the duel, and having played in such high-pressure matches before, Ingwe are aware of what is in store.

“We are going to ply our normal game to try and close the gaps to the win and to our fans as the 12th man we ask them to come in big numbers just like the last game and give the boys support trying to motivate the team, pushing the players forward,” he said in press conference on Friday afternoon.

Juma who featured for both Leopards and Gor Mahia also addressed defense lapses that has seen his charges conceding last minute goals noting that the technical bench has dealt with the issues in training and expect a different approach to the game by his backline.

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“We have trained hard in the sessions to try and minimize those errors, hopefully, tomorrow we are going to do even better,” he added.

On team’s news, the gaffer confirmed the availability of his arsenals affirming fitness of his entire troops. HE however admitted to be under pressure just like any other coach when his charges are not getting the desired results.

“As a coach and every coach is always under pressure because this is football,” he concluded.

FKF PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 6

Saturday

15.00: (2.45) Ulinzi Stars (3.05) Kariobangi Sharks (2.90)

16.00: (2.85) AFC Leopards (2.90) Gor Mahia (2.60)

15.00: Ulinzi Stars - Kariobangi Sharks

15.00: City Stars - Kenya Police

15.00: Muranga Seal - Sofapaka

***odds are subject to change***