The AFC Leopards camp has been hit by injuries among key players ahead of the eagerly awaitedKenyan Premier League derby against Gor Mahia on Sunday.
Antony ‘Modo’ Kimani during a recent KPL match. PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO / STANDARD
The defensive duo of Jackson Saleh and Antony ‘Modo’ Kimani have been ruled out of the crunch duel due to injuries, with the latter sidelined for the remainder of the season with a nagging knee problem.
However, mid-season signing Michael Khamati has resumed training after shaking off a knee injury that saw him miss last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Nairobi City Stars.
Confirming the news to FeverPitch, Leopards coach Luc Eymael said he’s not worried by the injury situation in the den and is in a confident mood ahead of what’s been billed as a decisive match.
“Saleh and Kimani are definitely out of the match. Saleh sprained a ligament in his ankle and is yet to recover, while Kimani ruptured a ligament in the knee and is likely to be out for the rest of the season,’’ said Eymael, who returned to the country on Tuesday after a three-week absence.
“The absence of such key players is disappointing, but we’ve many options and in the past we’ve shown great capacity to lift ourselves up.
“Khamati is back and he could be available for selection on Sunday. I am really encouraged by the morale in the camp and we are going for nothing less than the three points,’’ he added.
Unlike their rivals, the current table-toppers have no injury worries and will be playing at full strength.
Gor tactician, Bobby Williamson, said apart from the three points, there is a lot at stake.
“This is going to be one of the most difficult games in the league, but I am glad everybody is fit and ready for the match. The players have been absolutely marvellous,’’ said Williamson.
Bragging rights
“We’ve a chance to widen the gap and everybody on the team knows that, but we don’t expect it to be easy.
“Fans want the bragging rights and both teams want the points, so it’s upon the players to remain focused,’’ added the former Uganda Cranes coach who’ll be handling his first KPL derby since he was appointed to hone the team’s skills in July.
Even though Gor are under pressure to win, Eymael insists their first leg defeat is their motivating factor.
“They (Gor) are under pressure to win. In the first round, we played well and we didn’t deserve to lose. Gor have won a lot of games and we respect them very much, but we don’t fear them.
Title fortunes
Both teams are enjoying a good run of form, but for Williamson, the derby could determine their KPL title fortunes.
Fifa referee Davies Omweno has been appointed to officiate the derby.
The Nakuru-based whistle-blower will be assisted by Peter Sabatia from Mumias as the first assistant and Gilbert Cheruiyot from Eldama Ravine who will serve as the second assistant.
Moses Osano will be the reserve referee, while Paul Kaunda has been named the match commissioner.
The will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, officials said.
The decision follows a meeting between Gor officials and the Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) held yesterday.
The meeting resolved that the derby will go ahead after Gor agreed to pay a fine slapped on them by SSMB but pending assessment of the damages their fans are accused of having caused.
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier said:”I want to assure all our fans that the derby is on as scheduled following our meeting with the SSMB. We have agreed to pay any the fine but only after we do a joint assessment of the damages,” said Rachier.
Gor have been fined Sh2.8million after their fans allegedly tore seats at Kasarani after their match against Nairobi City Stars three weeks ago.
By Rodgers Eshitemi and Gilbert Wandera, The Standard
