AFC Leopards forward Ronald Sichenje has said their Mashemeji Derby rivals Gor Mahia are fearful.

The Kenyan traditional soccer rivals were set to meet for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League second-round duel, but the match was postponed again.

Sichenje said Ingwe were ready and that Gor Mahia were in fear because he believes the defending champions have more to lose when it comes to this game.

“We were prepared because the derby is just like another match to us. We had nothing to lose for this one, but we were prepared for any scenario. They fear us; we do not fear them because they are the ones who need the points more,” Sichenje said, as quoted by a local publication.

Derby postponement

FKF had to postpone the derby again because of a lack of a stadium that can host the high-profile duel.

“This decision follows recent developments regarding the availability of suitable venues for the fixture. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has directed that the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani – the initially proposed venue – remains unavailable due to final preparations ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), for which it is a designated competition venue.

“CAF had further proposed that the fixture be moved to the Ulinzi Sports Complex and played behind closed doors to preserve CHAN infrastructure and maintain security standards. However, the venue declined to host the match, citing internal concerns around safety and the risk of vandalism,” FKF said in a statement explaining why the game will not be played.

Meanwhile, Sichenje revealed his desire to keep scoring for AFC Leopards. He scored the third goal during Ingwe’s 3-1 win over Mathare United.

“I just wanted to score because it was a one-on-one situation and there was no one else there to support me, so I had to do it.

“It gives me motivation to want to score more goals. If I keep doing what I am doing, then the sky is the limit. I want to score and assist in each of the remaining three games, and we hope we can get wins,” Sichenje stated.

With the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) set to be hosted in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the forward is eager to be part of the Harambee Stars squad.

“My target is to earn a call-up. Everyone wants to make it because it is a boyhood dream. Besides, we will be cohosting the tournaments, so it will be an honor,” he concluded.