I am penning this article from the rooftop of my humble abode, feeling like a wounded Leopardess that is perched on a tree, wondering just how it lost the grip of its prey. But first, allow me to congratulate Gor for that 3-0 win.
My random thoughts from a non-footballer's perspective on what went wrong and reason(s) for AFC Leopards' poor show include: Juok (Sorcery and black-magic) after all, Beryl's last article warned that Leopards are chasing a spirit, this is Africa and here, anything is possible!
Secondly, the morale of Leopards' players 'went missing' because the derby was not a sure affair. Initially, it was scheduled for Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, before it was postponed indefinitely.
Later, word went round that the match would be held after all, now at Nyayo Stadium. All this within one week!
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Thirdly, some AFC Leopards players possibly developed 'stage fright'. It should not be lost that most of them were featuring in their maiden derby.
Fourth, and possibly so, AFC's football 'gods' must have been angered after a high profile politician ordered football jerseys that had both AFC and Gor colours, ostensibly to promote peace in the derby.
Their fury jinxed the game and confused AFC players, who played the derby like it was a friendly and not a game against a rival.
They forgot that a Leopard claws and mauls its prey. It does not play or pet it! Fifth, I take the blame for leaking out a top secret about AFC's weapon of mass destruction; Fiamenyo 'Fear-menyo', which Gor capitalised on.
They had three defenders marking him for the entire 90 minutes.
If the above reasons are invalid, I throw in the classical: AFC did its homework, trained, prepared tactics, but could not present their homework on that Sunday, because the dog had eaten it!
The painful loss aside, Ingwe are still in the title race and are in it to win! Our next opponent, will attest that a hungry Leopard is a dangerous Leopard!
As for Gor, a repeat of the 2011 season awaits, where AFC avenged a 3-1 loss in the first leg of the league with a 3-0 win in the second leg.
Wounded or not, the Leopard's hunting instincts are intact. Lastly, I commend AFC fans for displaying maturity by being peaceful throughout.
A storm does not fade a Leopard's spots.
