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RAY
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Young rising stars from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are set to shape the high-stakes Mashemeji Derby with skill, composure, and decisive moments.
On Saturday, the atmosphere at Nyayo Stadium will reach a fever pitch as the two giants of Kenyan football lock horns in the first leg of the 2025/2026 SportPesa League. This fixture is more than just a game as it is a cultural event where Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards battle for supremacy, yet this 98th edition feels different due to the surge of youthful talent on both sides.
The Mashemeji Derby has always served as the ultimate crucible for emerging stars, a trial by fire where boys become men in front of a roaring crowd.
Both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be fielding squads rich in youthful exuberance this season and the spotlight shifts to the prodigies who play without the burden of past failures.
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Pulse Sports looks at five rising stars who have shown they have the temperament to handle the pressure, and they could very well be the difference-makers when the whistle blows at Nyayo Stadium.
Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards)
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At just 19 years old, Kelly Madada has quickly evolved from a promising academy graduate to the creative heartbeat of Ingwe. His fearless approach to the game belies his age; he demands the ball in tight spaces and drives forward with a directness that unsettles organized defenses. In a match as frantic as the derby, his ability to retain possession and spot a killer pass will be vital for Leopards' transition play.
Madada’s height of gravity allows him to glide past markers, often drawing fouls in dangerous areas or creating space for his teammates. He has already netted crucial goals in the league, proving he has the composure to finish when it matters most.
The Mashemeji Derby is often decided by moments of individual brilliance, and Madada is the type of player who can conjure magic out of nothing.
If Gor Mahia's midfield allows him time to turn and face the goal, he could punish them severely. His duel with Gor's defensive screen will be one of the most fascinating sub-plots of the afternoon.
Ebenezer Adukwaw (Gor Mahia)
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Ebenezer Adukwaw has arrived at Gor Mahia from Ghana with a reputation for tactical brilliance, and he has wasted no time living up to the hype. Unlike the raw pace of some wingers, Adukwaw brings a "European" level of technical refinement to the K'Ogalo attack. His ability to read the game and execute precise dribbles makes him a unique threat, capable of unlocking the tightest defenses with a single moment of ingenuity.
The Ghanaian import has already endeared himself to the Green Army with his lethal set-piece ability. Having recently scored a stunning 35-yard free-kick, he gives Gor Mahia a dangerous weapon anytime they win a foul near the box. In a cagey Mashemeji Derby where open-play chances might be rare, Adukwaw’s dead-ball specialty could be the decisive factor that separates the two sides.
Recovering just in time from a shoulder injury to be fit for this clash, Adukwaw will be eager to make his mark in his first Kenyan derby. His composure on the ball offers a calming presence in the final third, allowing Gor Mahia to sustain pressure rather than rushing their attacks. If he starts, expect him to drift between the lines, looking to exploit any lapse in concentration from the AFC Leopards' backline.
Kayci Odhiambo (AFC Leopards)
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Kayci Odhiambo is reshaping the perception of what a Kenyan defender looks like. He is the epitome of the modern ball-playing centre-back: composed, elegant in possession, and tactically astute. While others might resort to panic clearances under the intense derby pressure, Kayci looks to build play from the back, acting as the silent engine that allows Ingwe’s flair players to shine.
His reading of the game is exceptional for his age, often intercepting passes before danger can materialize. This intelligence reduces the need for desperate last-ditch tackles, bringing a sense of calm to the entire backline. Against a lethal Gor Mahia attack, his ability to organize the defense and maintain a high line will be critical in keeping the opposition at bay.
Beyond his defensive duties, Kayci poses a genuine threat from set-pieces. His height and timing make him a target in the opposition box, and he has already shown he can deliver goals when the team needs them. In a tight Mashemeji Derby where chances are premium, a header from a corner could be enough to seal the three points.
Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia)
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Shariff Musa has seamlessly transitioned from a new signing to an indispensable weapon in Gor Mahia's arsenal. Known for his blistering speed and lethal crossing ability, he provides the width that K'Ogalo needs to break down stubborn defenses. He creates the chaos that allows the central strikers to thrive, often doing the dirty work of stretching the pitch to open up passing lanes.
His recent performances have been nothing short of electrifying, earning him praise for his consistency and work rate. Musa is not just a flashy winger; he tracks back diligently, helping his full-back double up on opposition threats. This two-way work ethic is essential in a derby where individual battles on the flanks often decide the outcome of the game.
In the Mashemeji Derby, Musa’s specific assignment will likely be to pin back the AFC Leopards' full-backs, preventing them from joining the attack. If he can isolate his marker and get quality crosses into the box, Gor Mahia’s forwards will have a field day. He is the tactical key that could unlock the game for the reigning champions.
Bryton Onyona (Gor Mahia)
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Bryton Onyona is the latest gem unearthed from the Gor Mahia Youth system, and his rise to the senior team has been meteoric. His coach has described him as having a "European" style of play—characterized by high tactical intelligence, precise distribution, and composure under duress. He doesn't just defend; he initiates attacks, acting as a deep-lying playmaker from the defensive line.
Recently called up to the national team, Onyona has proven he belongs at the elite level. His ability to remain cool when the Mashemeji Derby atmosphere reaches its boiling point will be invaluable. He reads the game steps ahead of his opponents, allowing him to snuff out attacks with smart positioning rather than reckless aggression.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on how he handles the physical challenge of the derby. His technical superiority gives him an edge, allowing him to bypass the Leopards' press and launch counter-attacks. Onyona represents the future of Gor Mahia's defense, and a commanding performance here would cement his status as a starter for years to come.