By Robin Toskin
AFC Leopards goalkeeping legend Mahmoud Abbas has jolted the Ingwe nation by declaring, “you will beat Gor Mahia, but may not win the league.”
Leopards play Western Stima tomorrow in Nakuru and Abbas claims Ingwe have lost the fire that made them unstoppable at the beginning of the season.
However, Leopards gaffer Jan Koops refuses to buy Abbas assertion insisting other teams are also losing points and that they can peel away from Gor Mahia come September 23.
Controversial, even in his playing days and now, Abbas watched Sofapaka and Tusker draw at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday night, but was not convinced AFC Leopards will seize the moment to win a 14th Kenyan Premier League title.
“I cannot just see it going their way with all the infighting that is complicated by a dip in form, poor tactics and failure to make prompt decisions during matches,” Abbas said.
Abbas’ chilling prediction mirrors yet another in 1987 when he enraged Harambee Stars coach Reinhardt Fabisch by saying
Kenya would reach the finals of the All Africa Games, but not crowned champions.
“I’m a Leopard forever and would want to see the boys win another title yet it is not about wishes here. It is about playing with purpose and everyone pulling in one direction,” the 55-year-old former goalkeeper said.
Forget title
Abbas, who has since been honoured by CAF alongside Joe Kadenge for their contribution to the African game in the last century added: “Leopards will be motivated enough against Gor Mahia. I’m sure they will win, but forget the title,” he declared.
He blamed the fans for not raising the noise level like Gor Mahia in the stadium.
“K’Ogalo fans have lifted their team all the way yet our fans sit like they are in a classroom. Time comes when the team needs that noise.”
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