Gor Mahia midfielder Lawrence Juma has urged caution and focus ahead of their high-stakes Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards.
Gor Mahia midfielder Lawrence Juma remains cautious ahead of their crucial Mashemeji Derby clash against AFC Leopards on June 2 at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Despite Gor Mahia being considered favorites on one of their strongest home grounds, Juma has urged his teammates and supporters not to underestimate their bitter rivals.
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The Task Ahead For Gor Mahia
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Gor Mahia must overcome AFC Leopards in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter if they are to keep their FKF Premier League title hopes alive.
The reigning champions have faltered in recent weeks, dropping vital points against Murang’a Seal, FC Talanta, and Nairobi City Stars, teams they were widely expected to beat with ease.
These unexpected setbacks have left them trailing behind title challengers Kenya Police and Tusker.
Speaking to the club's media team ahead of the derby, Juma underscored the unpredictability of the fixture and the importance of maintaining focus regardless of the opposition.
"I can say the thing with Gor Mahia is that there's no easy game," Juma remarked.
"An easy game is one that is finished. Because if you look at all the games we have played, on paper there are games that people felt very positively, maybe they felt that we could get some good results, but at the end of the day things happened as they did. So there is no easy team."
His words reflect the bitter lessons learned from recent disappointments, with Gor Mahia needing to shake off any complacency heading into the derby.
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Derby Record Provides Boost
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Despite the tense situation, Gor Mahia can draw some confidence from their recent dominance in the Mashemeji Derby, where they have gone unbeaten in their last five encounters with AFC Leopards.
Juma believes this history is a source of motivation, but not a reason for comfort.
"It's also a motivation bearing in mind that Gor is a bigger team and the quality we have, but it's not a guarantee," he cautioned.
Juma also called upon the Gor Mahia faithful to keep the faith as the team navigates a critical point in the season.
"We need everyone, so the fans should not give up, it's not lost yet," he added.
The Mashemeji Derby is always a fiercely contested battle, but with so much at stake this time around, Monday’s clash promises to be a defining moment in the FKF Premier League title race.
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