Leopards face Gor on the backdrop of huge pressure from their fans after a tough start to the season that has seen them draw four matches and lose one.
But, midfielder Jaffary Owiti says the players have the belief that a good performance in the derby on Saturday could be the catalyst of a resurgence for the rest of the season.
“It will be a tough game but as players we are ready. We know it can be a turning point for us as a team. There is motivation for us as players. The game itself is a motivation because it is a massive game. We haven’t started the season well but in this match, a lot can change,” Owiti said ahead of the duel.
The tough start has piled pressure on coach Tom Juma, who took over the role after the departure of Belgian Patrick Aussems.
Juma has come under sharp criticism with fans baying for his blood, but the former Kenyan international is unfazed and he believes he can steer the Ingwe ship into calm waters.
“Every coach is always under pressure. This is football,” the tactician, nicknamed Gaza said.
He adds; “We have had a slow start yes, but it is only five games. In the previous two seasons, AFC has always had a slow start. But this is not good and neither is it an excuse. There is no cause for alarm and we will get where we want. We will do our best and play each game as a final.”
The derby will be a crucial game for Juma and his technical bench to endear themselves to the fans, and the coach says they will approach the game with sober minds, ensuring they keep their calm and play their best brand of football.
“At AFC, there is no easy game. Every team comes with the same mentality, to beat us. It will not be different in the derby. Gor are our big rivals, they were champions last season and have a better squad but we are ready for them. We will give a good account of ourselves to get a win,” Juma noted.
He adds; “We will do our best because we have tried to address some issues that we had in the first five matches and the weaknesses we picked out. We respect them (Gor) but don’t fear them.”
AFC had a slight dominance over Gor last season, earning four points from them off a 0-0 first leg draw and a 2-1 second leg victory.
They hope to continue with this trend on Saturday, and Juma has asked fans to come out in large numbers to give them the 12th man support as they look to claim their first victory of the season.
