Experienced Gor Mahia midfielder Ernest Wendo says the team has no option other than to put the duo of KCB and Kariobangi Sharks to the sword so as to generate momentum and confidence heading into the return leg of the Mashemeji Derby.Gor are set to rekindle their football rivalry with their sworn enemies early next month but before then, the record Kenyan champions have to take on the bankers and Sharks first.Gor Mahia defensive midfielder Ernest Wendo says he intends to return to the team next week after one and half months of ghosting the club.https://t.co/GGwkMx26hN— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) February 9, 2022 Having not recorded a win in the last two matches against Tusker, Wendo says the next two rounds are crucial for the team as positive results will inject the much needed tempo ahead of the biggest fixture in the competition.Gor lost 2-0 to champions Tusker ok Saturday at the Narok Stadium and had played the beer makers to a barren draw a week ago at Thika.”It has always proved difficult to prepare for the derby when you’re coming from a loss. We have two matches to get the right motivation heading to the fixture. We can’t afford dropping points against KCB and Sharks,” said the defensive midfielder.With Leopards punching above their weight and displaying good football, Wendo is arguably the current longest serving player at the club and said they will not be cowed by their recent form. Nine games earn lucky punter Ksh134,000He however admitted that the derby fever is slowly mounting and the pressure to maintain their good record over Ingwe is being felt on their shoulders. Further, he said the pressure had been made worse by the tough financial times the club finds itself in.’CECAFA 2017 Champions’L-R: Boniface Oluoch, Dennis Sikhayi, Ernest Wendo, Charles Momanyi. #Footke pic.twitter.com/YgWEzS1mBD— Footballers Of Our Time (@TransferMarktEA) March 31, 2022 “The derby is just a fixture like the rest but what makes the difference are the bragging rights attached to it. I am aware of Leopards’ recent form and ability to attract fans to the stadium but that does not give us sleepless nights. The only pressure we have is to maintain the good run we have been having over them in the past years,” said the former Bidco United midfielder.Meanwhile, the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge winner with Harambee Stars called on the ‘Green Army’ to paint the stadium in their colours when they face Leopards.
