NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 29 – Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has warned that Gor Mahia should not rely on their rich history against arch rivals AFC Leopards and think victory will come to them easy when they clash in the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday afternoon.
Gor has not lost against Leopards since 2016 but McKinstry warns that is not a direct ticket for victory again.
“History doesn’t buy you anything. We have seen teams with great runs and then they have seen them stopped. We have to make sure we are at our best on the day. History does not score goals, history does not make saves and history does not play. It is these guys (players) who have to go in there and be at their best for us to be successful,” the coach said.
Leopards have had a pretty good start to the season and in 10 matches, they have 23 points from seven wins, two draws and a loss.
They sit fourth in the standings, four points behind leaders Nzoia Sugar who have played three matches more. McKinstry hopes this form continues.
“Looking at our points per game, we have been in good form. We have the number one form in the league and we have the best defensive record with the best goal difference. But we have to give more on Sunday if we want to have the result everyone craves,” said the coach.
Gor’s last match in the league prior to the derby was a 3-0 thrashing of FC Talanta and the tactician hopes they can carry this form to Leopards, though he expects a tough game.
“They have had a good run and won their last three matches. Their last victory was a win over a very good Police side and they are definitely in a good mood for the derby. We expect a very tough game against AFC but all in all, we expect to give a good performance and result for our fans,” said the coach.
This will be McKinstry’s first derby, having just joined Gor at the start of the season. He however says he is not jittery and is already looking forward to the challenge.
“I have been involved in some very big games before and so I am not jittery at all. I am looking forward,” he added.
