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Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has warned that the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards is not going to be easy on Saturday, October 6, 2023.

AFC Leopards are looking for their first win of the season and are in 15th place with just four points, thus heading to the derby as underdogs.

To McKinstry, Ingwe know that a Mashemeji Derby win at Kasarani will greatly help in jumpstarting their season, and are set to fight hard.

“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 said.

McKinstry’s declaration

The Northern Irish tactician also emphasizes why Gor Mahia need to collect maximum points against their arch-rivals.

“Equally for us, the only important thing is the end result, and we know that our ambition of retaining the championship here in the KPL is only aided by picking up points as often as we can,” he continued.

Should they win, McKinstry said the points from Ingwe will be satisfying to pick up since they are Gor Mahia’s traditional rivals.

“Against AFC on Saturday, we will be going out to get three points, but there is no doubt that those three points are always a little bit sweeter when it is against one of your rivals,” he continued.

The former Uganda and Sierra Leone head coach warned Gor Mahia against depending on their season form. The Premier League defending champions and Posta Rangers, who top the league standings after five games, are the only sides yet to taste defeat this season.

“It is another game in the league. We have obviously had a good start to the season, and we are still unbeaten.

“There are still two teams in the league that do that, but form when it comes to these Derby games is a little bit irrelevant.

“Neither team needs any motivation. Everyone knows there will be a big crowd, hopefully,” he concluded.

McKinstry – in three attempts so far – has yet to win against Ingwe since he took over at Gor Mahia. AFC Leopards won the last match by a margin of 2-1 and will be looking for rare back-to-back victories against their rivals.