Gor Mahia assistant captain Geoffrey Ochieng’ has praised the fans for their unwavering support for the team, describing them as the most admirable “players” in the K’Ogalo community.
He spoke passionately during a training session on Wednesday as Gor Mahia prepared to face their arch-rivals AFC Leopards in one of the historic Mashemeji Derbies, set to be played at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Monday, June 2, 2025.
“We’re always eager to hear them in the stands when they are making that noise, those drums. When you’re on the pitch and you hear that drum outside, the noise from the crowd, it makes us very happy. That always motivates our players on the field,” the left-back explained with enthusiasm.
Ochieng’, a long-serving K’Ogalo player, is well-acquainted with the derby, having participated in most of them since 2016. He acknowledges that the derby is unlike any other match, as the atmosphere is always charged with a large crowd supporting both sides.
“Derbies are not like other matches; they are different in many ways. The number of fans eager to attend the match and the overall environment create unique circumstances. But as players, we always maintain our focus,” Ochieng’ added.
As they prepare for the upcoming derby and with a full training camp, Gor Mahia has intensified their preparations and is confident of a positive outcome in Monday’s match.
Nicknamed Simiti (Solidified Cement), Ochieng’ mentioned that the match would be challenging, but he believes nothing is impossible. “We always put everything in God’s hands before anything else. We treat every match one at a time, and each player will give their best for the team,” he continued.
Gor Mahia has won 2 matches, drawn 2, and lost 1 in their last 5 encounters against AFC Leopards and is hoping to secure another victory this coming Monday.
“To the fans, I can only say: always the Green Army, our 12th man,” Simiti concluded.
The match kicks off at 3 PM at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, commonly known as ROSH.