Patrick Essombe might not have scored in his first two matches at Gor Mahia, but the Cameroonian winger can not wait to inflict pain on the club’s bitter rivals AFC Leopards, and help deliver both the league and Mozzart Bet Cup titles.Essombe joined the record league champions in the mid-season transfer window from Sportive de Douala, along with his compatriot and goalkeeper Giscard Mavoungou. The winger made his Gor Mahia bow, two weeks ago, in a Mozzart Bet Cup Round of 64 against KSG Ogopa.His league debut came slightly over a week ago against Kariobangi Sharks at Dandora Stadium.He, however, did not last on the pitch long during his first league appearance, as he was withdrawn before the restart, as coach Sinisa Mihic sought to have more control and goals.##NAJAVA_MECA_8773345##Despite the slow start, Essombe is confident of hitting top form and scoring goals for fun, including the two legs of the Mashemeji Derby. The dreadlocked player admitted to having learnt of the significance of the derby to the Gor Mahia fraternity, and the multitude of fans it draws, from his teammates upon joining the team. He revealed that Gor Mahia assistant captain and left-back Geoffrey Ochieng explained to him what it means to grab the derby’s bragging rights, and how scoring goals in the fixture can elevate a player’s profile. Gor Mahia head coach explains why he prefers playing with 5 defenders”I am adapting to the Kenyan culture and football well. I have learnt several things from the time I landed. My teammates have told me that matches against Leopards are not ordinary league fixtures. I found it interesting and I am looking forward to scoring goals in both legs,” said Essombe in a telephone interview. The first leg of the Mashemeji Derby has been twice postponed due to lack of a suitable venue to host the high-risk fixture. Initially, Leopards were to host their eternal rivals in November last year, but efforts to secure the Nyayo National Stadium did not bear fruit as heavy construction works were ongoing at the venue. The two giants were to lock horns earlier in the month, but once again, Ingwe failed to get approval for the use of Nyayo. Why Gor Mahia and Tusker players snubbed McCarthy’s first Harambee Stars training sessionThe postponement of the first leg is a blessing in disguise for Essombe, who hopes to fully announce his arrival at the big stage and against the club’s fiercest rival. “I had heard of Gor Mahia before I came to Kenya and even followed some of their past continental performances. I had, however, not heard of the Mashemeji Derby. I like big matches and hopefully I will score in both,” he added.
