Gor Mahia vice-captain Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng has expressed unreserved confidence in emerging victorious in the upcoming Mashemeji Derby in their original home, Homa Bay.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news##NAJAVA_MECA_8954433##For the first time in history, the Mashemeji Derby pitting arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will be held in Homa Bay County – the home of Gor Mahia, the Luo medicine man whom the club was named after.The highly anticipated second leg match between the two sides will be held at the newly upgraded Raila Odinga Stadium on Monday, 2 June, a day after the same venue hosts the Madaraka Day celebrations.Seven big names overlooked in Harambee Stars squad for Chad friendlySpeaking ahead of the game, Ochieng said they cannot afford to lose in such a historic match.“The derby is going home. Homa Bay is the origin of Gor Mahia, and we cannot allow anyone to defeat us at home; therefore, as players, we are going to give our all to ensure we win,” said Ochieng.A lot will be at stake in the match. Should Gor Mahia lose, they will be out of the title race, and therefore, it is a must-win match for them.Most uniquely, the Mashemeji Derby just provides a different dimension from other matches, as explained by Ochieng.##NAJAVA_MECA_8956530##“The derby is not like other matches. It is a little bit different, especially when you look at the number of fans who are eager to come to the pitch and even the environment. There are so many things happening in the derby. As players, we are always focused. We take every game at a time. We know that we need to put God first in everything, and everyone is going to give their best for the team,” he explained.The former Western Stima defender sent a message to the K’Ogalo faithful, asking for their backing.AFC Leopards coach asks for fan security ahead of Mashemeji Derby in “hostile place”“To the fans, the Green Army, the 12th man, we are always eager to hear those sounds and drums. When we play and hear the drums and noise from the stands, we feel very happy and that motivates us on the pitch,” he remarked.
