Leopards coach Ambani proud of his derby record

On March 28, just two days before AFC Leopards hosted Gor Mahia in the 96th meeting between the two teams at Nyayo National Stadium, Leopards’ coach Fred Ambani surprised many when he declared that he was out to protect his unbeaten record against Gor in the match dubbed “Mashemeji derby.”

Since 1968, the two arch-rivals have engaged in intense battles, with Gor Mahia winning 33 times against Leopards’ 28. Thirty-four meetings between the two teams have ended in draws, including last Sunday’s.

Leopards’ last victory over K’Ogalo was on May 14, last year when they triumphed 2-1. Last last season, Gor completed a season’s double over their sworn rivals, winning won both legs 2-0 and 1-0 respectively.  

Ambani’s declaration shocked many,  given that in their last 10 meetings, Gor has won six times, and Leopards once, with three matches ending in a stalemate.

Former Kenyan international striker Ambani, who also played professional football in Oman said: “I’ve never lost a match to Gor as a player, and I don’t intend to drop points as a coach either. I’ve told my players the same.

“I have informed them (Leopards’ players) that I have played the derby before and never lost to Gor Mahia,” 47-year-old Ambani who played for Leopards between 1997 and 2001 said.

But the statement shocked many ahead of the highly anticipated first leg clash in the FKF Premier League. The match had been postponed twice due to lack of a suitable venue.

Ahead of the return leg match which had been expected to be played at the same venue this weekend, Ambani is adamant  that losing the derby was not an option. 

“I cannot lose to Gor as a coach. I never did as a player, and I want to stop their dominance over Leopards,” Ambani who helped Leopards to win their last league title in 1998, said.

That squad also had Ambani’s younger brother Boniface, also a clinical striker who joined in in 1998.

Others were Simeon Mulama, Wycliff Jumba, Francis Oduor, James Kayimba, Paul Ochieng’, Martin Musisi, Nicholas Muyoti, Philip Ouma, Vincent Tendwa, Francis Baraza, George Sunguti, Mathew Ottamax Owino, Charles Bushira, Mohamed Fwaya, Chris Ojiambo, Eric M’mbwabi, Austin Makacha, Peter Kagonge, and Marius Mugisha.

Tanzanian Sunday Kayuni was the head coach, Martin Ndangano was his assistant, and Alfred Imonje the team manager.

Since taking over as Leop[ards coach on interim basis after the departure of Tomas Trucha this season, Ambani has since guided to positive results, as he hopes to fill the position on a permanent basis.  The return leg match has been postponed due to security reasons.

Ambani’s success has instilled renewed optimism among Ingwe’s followers, and raised expectations for the team’s performance on the remaining matches.

With a match in hand, Leopards are fifth in the league with 37 points and five losses with eight matches left. Gor are third on 43 points, also with a game in hand.

Ambani believes is his charges keep posting good results they can cut the gap and improve their chances of winning the title.

“I remain optimistic about closing the gap on the top four, Police, Tusker, Gor Mahia and KCB. We need to keep our passionate fans happy with consistent performance as we look forward to returning the club’s lost glory,” added Ambani, who promised to work on his attacking force that has not been effective enough.