Miheso Declares Leopards Ready to Meet Mashemeji Derby Demands

AFC Leopards winger Cliffton Miheso has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle the pressure of the upcoming Mashemeji Derby against arch-rivals Gor Mahia this Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Speaking to Azam Sports, Miheso dismissed suggestions that the high-profile match would be any different from other fixtures, backing his teammates to rise to the occasion in what promises to be a thrilling Kenyan Premier League encounter.

Historic Rivalry Renewed

The 96th meeting between Kenya’s two most successful football clubs comes with both teams separated by just four points in the league standings, adding extra significance to the derby.

Miheso, one of Leopards’ leadership figures, emphasized the team’s readiness: “The team spirit is high. We know there’s pressure from our fans, but we’re ready to take it up and deal with it as players. All of Leopards’ games are pressure-laden, and we have to rise to the occasion.”

Vice-captain Victor Omune echoed Miheso’s sentiments, acknowledging the unique nature of derby matches: “The derby comes with its own levels of pressure. It’s not a normal game and needs a different approach. It’s a very important fixture in this country.”

Recent Derby History

Leopards will be looking to improve their recent record against Gor Mahia, having managed just one win in their last seven encounters across all competitions.

Their last victory came in May 2023 (2-1), followed by a goalless draw in the reverse fixture. The 2024 season saw Gor Mahia dominate with 2-0 and 1-0 victories, extending their recent superiority in Kenya’s most famous football rivalry.

Key Derby Statistics:

• 96th meeting between the two clubs
• 4-point gap in current league standings
• Leopards have 1 win in last 7 derbies
• Last Leopards victory: May 2023 (2-1)

As anticipation builds for Sunday’s clash at Nyayo National Stadium, both sets of fans are expecting a fiercely contested match that could have significant implications for the title race.