Kenya: Leopards’ Morale High Ahead of Gor Showdown

Odindo Ayieko

18 July 2011

Nairobi — Two things stood out in the weekend’s Kenyan Premier League action: The win by AFC Leopards in Thika and the loss by Rangers to Kenya Commercial Bank on Sunday.

Tusker moved to the top of the league table with a merited 2-1 win over City Stars, that was expected, the barren draw between Gor Mahia and Mathare United too was no new story and Sofapaka 1-0 loss to Karuturi Sports was no surprise, they have become used to losing anyway.

The action on the pitch aside, Sunday, Nyayo Stadium was a learning experience especially for Gor Mahia.

Mathare United who were the hosts of the highly attended game put up a well drilled security programme that K’Ogalo should emulate ahead of the big derby they have next Sunday against their perennial rivals AFC Leopards.

Access to the VIP parking zone was left for only ticket holders, there were no idlers at the entrances to the main dais and the number of security officers from the G4S was enough to take care of any security problem had any arose.

“This is how we would love security to be done in future big matches and we are learning from this,” said Gor secretary Nick Arum.

Leopards, after losing four straight games, suddenly gave their fans something to brag around town with, the credited 2-1 win over Thika United.

It all seemed like Leopards were on yet another losing side when Kenneth Wendo gave Thika the lead but goals from Bernard Mang’oli and new signing Mike Baraza earned them their first three points in four games.

AllAfrica – All the Time