Koops would love to face Gor again this season

By Gilbert Wandera

AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops is relishing another meeting with archrivals Gor Mahia before the season ends.

The two teams are likely to meet in the semi-finals of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup competition next weekend if they win their matches this weekend.

Gor Mahia won in their last meeting played on September 22 after edging out Leopards 2-1 in a Kenyan Premier League (KPL) match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

“Of course we would love to play Gor again. It is always great to play against them. We love it, the fans are excited about it and it would be nice to meet them in the Cup competition,” said Koops.

Asked whether, he would want to revenge against Gor if the two sides meet in the Cup competition, Koops said: “It is good to win against Gor Mahia but I wouldn’t term it revenge. We have a good relationship with the Gor coach and the players and would love to keep it that way.”

Koops said winning the Cup competition is a priority for his club since they have a strong desire to play in continental football next season.

“The Cup competition is well organised and we enjoy featuring in it. Furthermore it gives us an opportunity to go for continental honours and this is an extra motivation for us,” he said.

Koops said they have not given up on winning the KPL title and last weekend’s 2-1 win over Muhoroni Youth makes them title contenders. He said the result was important for his side and has given them the motivation to fight to the end.

“That win has put us back on track as one of the major title contenders and we intend to stay that way to the end. From now onwards there are no easy matches for all the teams and anyone can falter. We must stay close to our target as much as possible,” he said.

Leopards have moved their training to Kasarani from the bumpy Moi Forces Academy ground in a bid to have the best.

“Apart from Mumias Sports Complex, Kasarani offers the other best training ground,” he said.