Stewart Hall has only watched the battles between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on television. On Sunday he will be one of the actors in the big derby.
On the other hand Gor Mahia coach Jose Marcello Ferreira “Ze Maria” has been there and achieved something out of it beating Ingwe 2-0 in the second leg of last season.
Eighty times these two most successful clubs have battled, some ending in fracas, some drawn but one thing that remains is that it is the biggest clash in Kenyan football.
For the first time in a long time, both teams come face to face when they have equal form-only two points separating them Gor Mahia lying second with 16 points and AFC Leopards having garnered 14.
It will take you back to 2013 when the two sides were this close on the log and chasing for the title. Gor came from two goals down to equal the scores and went on to win their first Kenyan Premier League title after 18 years of wait.
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AFC Leopards won the first leg last season when they were at their lowest point in terms of form while Gor Mahia were riding high having won the 2015 season unbeaten.
Already there is excitement amongst fans who are eagerly awaiting the game to be played at the Nyayo National Stadium.
But one man, who cannot wait to be part of this derby is AFC Leopards coach Stewart Hall.
Hall has turned around AFC Leopards from a side that finished just above relegation last season failing to win in 16 straight matches in the entire second leg to a formidable side that now lies fourth on the table.
“First of all, I cannot wait for the big match. This is the biggest clash in club football here and every coach would want to be part of it,” Hall said.
“I have watched the derby before but just as a spectator-not supporting any team then, but now I am coach of AFC Leopards and you know which team I will be rooting for,” he added.
Both sides have lost twice though Leopards have drawn three times but they look rather shaky at times and strong in other matches.
But the dynamics of a derby are usually different and previous clashes have proved that. Several times, a team has come in as the underdog and makes home with the three points and this will not be different.
Gor Mahia coach will be under pressure to ensure they return to winning ways after their loss to Mathare United which has put him on the edge with the ever demanding Green Army.
“It’s a big match and the fans want a win,” Ze Maria said.
“We won last season but so much has changed. AFC Leopards has a new coach and new players who have come to bolster the squad, but we have trained hard and I think we are ready for the match,” added the Brazilian. The match kicks off at 3pm Sunday.
