NAIROBI, Kenya, July 20 – Midfielder Humphrey Mieno says thrashing Tanzanian giants Young Africans 4-0 in the continental showpiece will inspire the 2015 Sports Personality Team of the Year Gor Mahia overcome eternal rivals AFC Leopards in Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby at the Kasarani Stadium.
Gor outclassed Yanga on Wednesday night at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani in the CAF Confederation Cup that saw the Kenyan Premier League champions inch closer to making another history in qualifying to the quarter-finals.
K’Ogalo sit second in the standing with five points, behind Group D leaders USM Alger of Algeria who have seven points while Rayon Sports (Rwanda) are third with two points as Yanga trail the pool with only one point.
“It was a big win for us beating Yanga at home, but it came at the right time as we prepare facing AFC in the Mashemeji Derby. It is a big motivation heading to Sunday and it has given us confidence we can beat our bitter rivals AFC,” Mieno, a former AFC Leopards player said.
Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr confirmed that the groove is finally be returning to the club after a three-week period of instability, saying his players ‘played with a smile on their faces’ in their 4-0 triumph against Yanga.
Prior to the game, the team had been shaken from all corners ranging from player go-slows over unpaid allowances and a ban from CECAFA after snubbing the medal ceremony at the Kagame Cup.
But the players put all that behind their back producing a flawless performance to beat Yanga and boost their chances of making it into the quarter finals of the continental competition.
“For me, I can’t be more proud of these players; I am proud of them every day. The way they play, hustle for the ball and fight, I could see players playing with a smile on their face today which was great,” The coach said.
“The performance shows passion and pride. We know things happen and sometimes upsets my players, but when they put the green jersey on and step over the white line, they give their all,” he added.
Kerr was particularly full of praise for midfielder Humphrey Mieno who commanded the middle of the pack in the entire game, his passing ability on the night being key to Gor Mahia’s attacking prowess.
“His (Mieno) value keeps going up with every game and his performance today was outstanding. He is getting better and better at every game and he has to maintain that. Not only him but all the players,” the coach noted.
Gor Mahia are enjoying a 14 point difference between them and fifth-placed AFC Leopards, with three games at hand.
