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After a series of poor results and lacklustre performance from record champions Gor Mahia that culminated in the sacking of their head coach Leonardo Neiva, captain Philomen Otieno is optimistic the boys will turn the tide when they lock horns with their arch-rivals AFC Leopards in Mashemeji Derby.

Gor Mahia has recorded a torrid start to the season which has left them languishing in 12th place in the Football Kenya Premier League (FKFPL) after six matches, having won twice, suffered two losses and shared the spoils twice.

Neiva’s last assignment was against Bandari where K’Ogalo were whipped 2-0 forcing the fans to storm the field, disrupting play.

Despite the unpleasant start, K’Ogalo’s captain Otieno believes that the boys who are under the arms of assistant coaches Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and Michael Nam, will turn things around when they clash with Ingwe on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 4:00 pm.

According to Otieno, his teammates have looked sharp in training and they are putting their best foot forward to ready for a fierce battle with AFC Leopards.

“Our preparations are going on well and we are looking forward for a good game. The mood is okay and we are doing all we can to ensure we get positive results,” Otieno told Gor Mahia media on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Calls for patience

K’Ogalo has been under pressure to appease their listless fans who are used to victories. In their last matches, irate Gor Mahia supporters stormed the pitch at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos demanding explanations for the string of subpar outcomes.

In the match against Bandari, the game was slightly disrupted again by Gor Mahia fans. Police were forced to intervene and allowed the match to continue.

Following the unrest, Gor Mahia’s skipper has pleaded with the fans to exercise patience. He assured them that the team is solid and ready to fight for its rightful position in the league.

“I want to assure all our fans that we as players are doing everything in training to make sure that we get ready for the next match which is Mashemeji Derby and just want them to be patient with us,” Philomen Otieno stated.

“We as players will make sure that the positive results come on Sunday, November 24, 2024,” he concluded.

Captain Philemon Otieno assures K'Ogalo fans a positive results during the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday 24th, 2024🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/1CqyX4nrvZ

— Gor Mahia FC Ke (@gormahiafcke) November 19, 2024

Their rivals, AFC Leopards, have equally had a share of their own trouble with fans storming the stadium in a match against Ulinzi Stars demanding explanations for poor results.

AFC’s management in a statement vowed to crack the whip and impose a ban on their fans who would be found culpable.

Ingwe is currently fifth on the FKFPL log with 11 points after eight matches.