Mashemeji Derby: Gor Mahia chair Rachier’s passionate clarion call to fans
By Joel Sang, October 7, 2023Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has called on their fans to turn in large numbers to support the team when they take on AFC Leopards on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani.
AFC Leopards will host Gor Mahia for the 94th edition of the Mashemeji Derby in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, with both sides enjoying different forms this season.
Ingwe will be looking for their first win of the season, while K’Ogalo are looking to preserve their unbeaten run.
Rachier’s call
To get a win, Rachier has pointed out the importance of the fans turning out in large numbers.
“As the chairman of K’Ogalo, Ambrose Rachier, I’m pleading and begging you to avail yourselves at Kasarani Stadium very early in the morning to support our team that we love, Gor Mahia, Gor K’Ogalo, and Gor from Kanyamwa.
“You know how we are always happy when we go to the derby and win, and this only happens when fans turn up.
“If you are a drummer, come with your drums; even if you don’t know how to sign our chants, just raise your hands up and sing ‘K’Ogalo Gor. Gor Mahia…K’Ogalo eeh, Gor Timbe duto ywak ni’ (all teams cry because of Gor Mahia),” Rachier said, as quoted by the club’s social media platforms.
Aware that AFC Leopards have not been in good form, Rachier said the form does not matter when it comes to such a big game.
“You know that we have a big game; we are meeting our in-laws, AFC Leopards. In the derby, we don’t look at who is in form, and that is the beauty of the derby,” he concluded.
McKinstry’s stance
Rachier’s assertion comes after Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry also said form will not matter.
“I should say that form when it comes to this Derby game is a little less relevant.
“We also know that our opponents have had a poor start to the league this season, and for them, they know that getting a result in the derby can kickstart them and move them onto another level,” McKinstry stressed.
The match will kick off at 4:00 p.m.