Munene rallies Leopards to rediscover lost mojo with derby win

AFC Leopards will aim for a rare back to back 'Mashemeji' derby win when they take on eternal rivals Gor Mahia at MISC Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, says Captain Washington Munene.

According to the former Wazito FC full-back, Ingwe are aware of their poor start with no win this season but are psyched up to make a huge statement with a win over K'Ogalo in the biggest Kenyan derby.

Munene who took over the arm-band from Eugine Mukangula who left the club at the end of last season, has downplayed claims that it will be impossible to stop Gor at a time Ingwe are limping – in their 97th derby.

"For the players, we want to give our all, win the match for the sake of our self-confidence and morale booster together with our coach and the fans. We have not won any matches this season and so we will be chasing everything.

"The team is prepared knowing what is at stake in this game. We know we have not won and it will be encouraging and a morale booster if we get a win in this game,” averred Munnene.

In their last encounter Leopards managed to beat Gor 2-1 at Nyayo National Stadium, and Munene says the sweet win still energises them.

In the derbies, form is not a spring board or a motivator so to speak. What I know is that players are heavily psyched up and it will be fiery on Saturday," the soft-spoken Munene said.

Out of five matches they have played, Leopards have drawn four and registered a single loss which condemns them to position 15 with four points, five behind second-placed Gor Mahia.

Gor Mahia have won only two matches, drawing three in their five played this season.

Gor drew 1-1 against Kakamega Homeboyz while Leopards were also held to a 1-1 stalemate by Shabana FC in their respective matches last week.