Gor Mahia center back Joshua “Mangulu” Onyango has explained two reasons why he is confident of victory in the upcoming Mashemeji Derby.Gor Mahia is set to host their arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the second leg of the FKF Premier League Mashemeji Derby on Monday 2 June 2025 at the Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay (ROSH).A look at newly upgraded Raila Odinga Stadium set to host Mashemeji Derby [VIDEO]This will be the first time in the history of the two clubs that the derby will be hosted in Homa Bay, the home county of Gor Mahia – the legendary medicine man whom the club was named after.In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the hard-tackling defender listed the club’s record at the venue as the first reason for his confidence in a win.“We have been recording positive results in Homa Bay. We have never lost there and that gives us a lot of confidence going into the match. The worst that we have had there is a draw,”said Onyango.🟢 | THE DERBY#MashemejiDerby is set for June 2nd in Homa Bay.Book your ticket here – https://t.co/DyFYpWiBfbTo fans who had bought tickets, refunds to be done next week upon receiving requests for unused tickets.#Sirkal | #SportPesaNaGor pic.twitter.com/OaP16Vu2ZN— GOR MAHIA FC (@OfficialGMFC) May 27, 2025 The former Kariobangi Sharks man also attributed his belief to the effect interim coach Zedekiah Zico Otieno has had in the playing unit since the departure of Croatian tactician Sinisa Mihic on Monday 19 May 2025.“The coach has instilled a lot of confidence in us and so I do not see it even being a tough match because we are more confident currently,” he added.The 21-year-old also sent a message of confidence to K’Ogalo faithful, especially those in Homa Bay where most of them will be watching the Mashemeji Derby for the first time in their lifetime.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952915##“I can tell them to expect an entertaining match, especially from us. We will give our all to put smiles on their faces,” he stated.Gor Mahia chose ROSH as the venue of the derby after failing to secure Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.The two large-capacity facilities are all undergoing renovations in readiness for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania in August 2025.Gor Mahia announce ticket prices and refund ahead of Mashemeji DerbyThe club was then given a two week ultimatum by FKF to find an alternative venue and settled for the 12,000-seater stadium, which has been undergoing upgrading in readiness for the Madaraka Day celebrations on Sunday 1 June 2025.K’Ogalo will head into the derby well aware that they have a low chance of defending the league title as their fate is not in their hands.The 21-time league champions are third on the log with 54 points, seven shy of league leaders Kenya Police although the former have played a match more.Police therefore need just a single win from their remaining two matches to be crowned league champions. In fact, they might need just a single point if Gor fails to win the Mashemeji Derby.Fans react to Victor Wanyama coming out of Harambee Stars retirementDespite that fact, Onyango said has not yet given up on his title hopes and says they are still eyeing a double, the league and Mozzart Bet Cup where they are in the finals.“I cannot say that we have lost focus on the league. We have our eyes set on both the league and the cup but realistically, it is in the cup that we are giving out all.We can never know what God has planned ahead. We might be having slim chances in the league and then things happen and the race opens itself further. As a player, mine is just to be ready for all matches and then see how that goes at the end of the season,” remarked Onyango.
