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.”
Almost sounding desperate, Abbas said it has been tortuous watching goalkeeper Patrick Matasi claiming he was almost blinded by his erratic display against Tusker.
“It was hair-raising. That boy is so lucky. Football is not forgiving but in this case, the gods have been with him. To err is human, but dropping one error after another is courting disaster.”
But Koops insists there is nothing to worry about.
“Tusker, Sofapaka and Ulinzi have also dropped points. If it is a question of Gor Mahia winning they, too, have their weaknesses that we can exploit,” Koops said.
“There is no lost fire. These young kids are thirsty for the title and will show it against Stima tomorrow,” the 71-year-old Dutchman said.
Family problems
AFC Leopards top the league table with 45 points, two ahead of Gor Mahia and play Western Stima tomorrow in Nakuru.
They are also still to play Gor Mahia, Muhoroni Youth, Ulinzi Stars, Mathare United, Oserian and Chemelil Sugar.
Koops revealed goalkeeper Matasi apologised after the near disaster match against Tusker.
“He had family problems. We have talked and we understand him. However, I have advised them to be open because the state of mind is important. It can easily cost the team,” Koops said.
Leopards leave for Nakuru from their Mumias base this morning with Edwin Masika (thigh) and Victor Ochieng (ankle) major doubts for the tie against Stima.
