AFC Leopards have endured a poor record against their fierce rivals Gor Mahia in recent Mashemeji Derbies.
Former Shabana tactician Caleb Aringa has lauded AFC Leopards for their show of character against arch-rivals Gor Mahia.
The bitter rivals have only met once this season in the Mashemeji Derby, but the former Glamour Boys tactician believes Ingwe’s latest showing against K’Ogalo is a sign of intent.
The two Kenyan giants played a barren draw in the Mashemeji Derby at the Nyayo Stadium on March 30.
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AFC Leopards’ Show of Character Against Gor Mahia
Kenyan star Agnes Ngetich outwitted a star-studded field to claim victory and the world record at Adizero.
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Gor Mahia captain Geoffrey Ochieng leaps over an AFC Leopards defender during a past Mashemeji Derby.
Aringa, who formerly coached at Shabana FC as interim coach, believes Leopards finally have the mentality to go toe-to-toe with their fierce rivals.
“The flavour is back in Kenyan football. Even this Derby (Mashemeji) the other day, I think the football was very good,” said Aringa on a recent episode of The Exit Show on YouTube.
“AFC were not scared, they had character and they fought Gor Mahia. Gor Mahia overcomes them all the time because of character,” he noted.
“They (Leopards) usually come into the fixture like underdogs, but this time their heads were held high; they were fighting for each ball.”
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Kenya fought valiantly in Yaoundé but ultimately fell short as Cameroon secured World Cup qualification with composure.
The former Shabana tactician acknowledged that although Gor Mahia still enjoyed the better chances in the game, Leopards showed character to go toe-to-toe with them.
“Though Gor still created the best of chances, AFC were there to fight,” he noted.
Aringa Backs Ambani
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AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani. (Credit: AFC Leopards).
Aringa proceeded to back Leopards coach Fred Ambani on that account, stating that he should be given time.
“They should give their coach (Fred Ambani) the time to do his job. He is under so much pressure,” he noted.
“I think these community clubs (AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia) usually have a problem with their local coaches. They are very comfortable with foreign coaches,” said Aringa.
Ambani himself succeeded Czech Republic’s Thomas Trucha, who was dismissed following a poor return with Ingwe.
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Olympics champion Tara Davis-Woodhall and her husband Paralympics champion Hunter Woodhall have signed a new deal that sees them join Sha’Carri Richardson on the same stable.
Aringa believes that under Ambani, Ingwe can finally stake their claim against their fierce rivals.
The next Mashemeji Derby, yet to be confirmed, could prove a pivotal fixture as both teams eye FKF Premier League glory.
