Mashemeji Derby: Gor Mahia skipper urges players to rise and protect K’Ogalo’s pride
By Luke Oluoch, April 25, 2026Gor Mahia skipper Philemon Otieno has signalled the importance of protecting K’Ogalo’s bragging rights and pride as the team angles for the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Nairobi
K’Ogalo enters the AF Leopards lair in the much-anticipated 99th Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo National Stadium with the two teams engaged in a fierce tussle for the 2026 league title.
Speaking on Saturday, April 25, 2026, Otieno underscored that the significance of the occasion is not lost on him and the players.
“As one of the senior-most players on the team, I have to encourage the team. I urge them to protect the bragging rights of our team,” he implored.
Ready for Leopards test
While rallying the team for the test ahead, Otieno expressed optimism that the green and white army is ready to rise to the occasion and stamp their mark on the encounter.
“Playing against AFC always comes with a good feeling and is a motivation for us players in itself. It’s a game with stakes raised high, and for me, is a big game, not only here but also across East Africa. We are ready as Gor Mahia to give a good show on Sunday,” he stated.
The defender concluded by urging the club’s fan base to make their numbers a factor in the clash that is touted to shape the ultimate Football Kenya Federation Premier League title race.
Also Read: Are the ghosts of 2025 haunting Gor’s title push?
“We want our fans to turn up in large numbers and come for the clash. As players, we will give all and do within our means to make them proud,’ he added.
Akonnor on mental approach
His remarks come as Coach Charles Akonnor also expressed the need for tough mental fortitude from his team ahead of the top table encounter.
“We have to win the game in our minds. We have to play it before it even starts, and we need to be mentally strong, and we have prepared the team to be able to deal with such situations,” Akonnor said while underscoring the need for a proper mental attitude.
The clash kicks off at 3:00 pm.