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Mashemeji Derby: Where Gor Mahia vs AFC Leopards will be won – Kerr
The British tactician delivers his assessment ahead of the 89th derby involving rivals Ingwe and K’Ogalo at Kasarani Stadium
Dylan Kerr has explained the team which controls the midfield during the FKF Premier League derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will carry the bragging rights on Sunday.
The two Kenyan giants will face off at Kasarani Stadium with Ingwe placed ahead of K’Ogalo on the 18-team table, as they are fourth with 18 points while their rivals are seventh on 15 points, with both teams having played eight matches.
The British tactician, who handled Gor Mahia and never lost a derby to AFC Leopards, has now told Goal the team which will want to win the game more and whose midfield function well, will carry the day.
“The team who wants it more will win the derby,” Kerr told Goal from his base in South Africa.
Asked to pick where the derby will be won, Kerr explained: “The midfield, the team which will have a good game in the middle of the pack will carry the day because that is where the ball will be distributed, it is all about controlling your midfield and the day will be yours.”
Kerr has also revealed despite K’Ogalo having a better record against their rivals in recent derbies, that will not count for anything when they face off.
“Gor Mahia have the advantage from previous results but all that will not matter or count, for now, a derby is won with the team which steps up their game on match day, it all about the bragging rights and if you get your acts right, then you win,” Kerr continued.
“AFC Leopards will also want to impress now they have a new coach coming in, the players will play to impress as he will watch from the stands, and this can push them again maybe to upset Gor Mahia.”
On whether we should anticipate a tight derby or a high scoring tie, Kerr, who recently parted ways with Black Leopards in South Africa, said: “In today’s football, it will be a very close contest, and remember we don’t have fans to spur on their teams, so it will be a very close battle.
“At least the sits will remain where they are,” Kerr concluded in reference to violence which has been associated with the derby, where fans uproot seats and cause mayhem whenever they sense defeat or lose.
The match will kick-off at 15:00 local time.
