‘AFC Leopards have lost the Mashemeji Derby already’ – Pamzo

© Gor Mahia

FKFPL ‘AFC Leopards have lost the Mashemeji Derby already’ – Pamzo

Kiplagat Sang • 16:39 - 12.05.2023

The Kenyan tactician feels K’Ogalo have collected three points from Ingwe even before the ball rolls.

Former Kenyan international Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has explained why he feels AFC Leopards have already lost the Sunday Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia.

K'Ogalo will host their traditional rivals at Nyayo Stadium, and Pamzo, a former Gor Mahia head coach, feels his former side has already won the match.

Pamzo cited Ingwe’s head coach, Patrick Aussems, who said the match is an opportunity for them to train for FKF Cup semi-final and that he is not bothered by the remaining league games.

"The derby can always go either way, but looking at the current form of Gor Mahia and knowing they are serious about the match, I think this gives them an upper hand," Pamzo told Pulse Sports.

"This is because their coach said this is a warm-up for their FKF Cup game. Once the coach has resigned, this goes to the heads of the players, and they might not give their 100%.

"And to me, Leopards have lost before they play the derby because of what the coach said. This is a derby, and it is a big game.

"What if they lose the derby and get beaten by Kakamega Homeboyz? What message are they going to pass to the fans?"

Should Gor Mahia lose, coach Johnathan McKinstry would have overseen a first loss to Leopards in almost seven years. However, Pamzo believes a defeat will not put pressure on the former Uganda national team coach.

"I have seen coaches lose their jobs because of derbies, and I have seen coaches maintain their jobs because of winning the derbies," the former Posta Rangers tactician added.

"He [McKinstry] is not going to be under pressure if Gor Mahia lose because, in their next game, they will play Tusker, a team they are fighting for the title with.

"But I am sure the players cannot afford to lose the derby against Leopards."

K’Ogalo go into the match under intense much pressure as they need to win and probably widen the gap between them and Tusker. Only two points separate them from the second-place Brewers.