Gor Mahia head coach Sinisa Mihic has urged fans to maintain peace and avoid confrontations during the 97th Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards, set for Sunday, May 11, at the newly refurbished Kasarani Stadium.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News The second leg of the country’s biggest football rivalry promises intensity both on and off the pitch, but Mihic is appealing for restraint from fans and a festive, rather than chaotic, atmosphere.##NAJAVA_MECA_8910044##The Croatian tactician, who joined K’Ogalo in February, was on the touchline during his first derby—a tightly contested 0-0 draw at a sold-out Nyayo Stadium.Since then, he has witnessed troubling scenes during matches against Sofapaka and Shabana, where crowd trouble prompted police to deploy teargas.“It has already happened twice—this pepper spray,” Mihic told the club’s media.“I urge the fans, please don’t cause any problems outside the stadium. We have a big game to play. If something happens outside, and then it spills inside, it disrupts the players and the game. The ‘peppers’ make us cry before we even begin.””Where’s the passion?”: Selebwa decries lost glory of Mashemeji DerbyMihic also challenged security personnel to consider less aggressive means of crowd control.“But police—why throw teargas at the fans? They need to find better methods to handle these situations,” he said.Despite the security concerns, Mihic praised the Green Army for their unwavering support and warm welcome since his arrival.“The fans are amazing,” he said. “I hope to see 50,000, 60,000—and even a million outside—at Kasarani on Sunday. Let every Gor Mahia fan in Nairobi come out so we can celebrate together.”Wanjala benched as Babu names Rising Stars team for AFCON match against NigeriaHe described the club’s supporters as a treasure, saying their positivity has inspired him.“I like them because they’re always in a good mood, always celebrating. Let them continue like that,” he added.The clash between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be the first major match hosted at the 60,000-seater Kasarani Stadium since its closure in August 2023 for renovations.The stadium, alongside Nyayo and other venues, has been undergoing upgrades in preparation for Kenya’s co-hosting duties in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).##NAJAVA_MECA_8910057##The match will kick off at 4:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Azam Sports 3HD through FKF’s broadcast partner, Azam TV.Gor Mahia have held the upper hand in recent derby encounters, with Ingwe managing just one win in their last six meetings.The first leg of the current campaign ended in a goalless draw.
