Gor Mahia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has revealed that it would be “a little bit sweeter” if his team secured all three points against their sworn rivals, AFC Leopards, in the much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby this Saturday.
K’Ogalo remain unbeaten in each of their first five league games, placing them four points behind surprise league leaders Posta Rangers FC. To close the gap on John Kamau’s side and pursue their goal of retaining the league crown won last season, they need maximum points from this upcoming match.
McKinstry, who is yet to secure a victory against AFC Leopards in his three outings as Gor Mahia coach, has an opportunity to make amends when both teams clash at the Kasarani Stadium this weekend. This game will mark Azam’s full debut in covering FKFPL games after testing it out in April this year during the same match.
“It is another game in the league. We have obviously had a good start to the season and we are still unbeaten,” McKinstry said.
“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 it will be a big crowd hopefully at Kasarani where it will be live on TV, obviously our new television partners Azam are coming in so we want to make it a spectacle.”
The Northern Irish tactician is aware that Leopards have had a poor start to the season and will be hungry to win to kickstart their season, and as a result, he has challenged his charges to be wary of the threat they pose.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Gor lost the derby 2-1 in April this year at the Nyayo National Stadium and will be keen on asserting revenge on the 13-time league champions on Saturday.