Gor Mahia head coach Zedekiah “Zico” Otieno has issued a passionate call to the club’s supporters ahead of Monday’s (2 June) much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby, urging fans to turn out in large numbers and embrace the result of the match with dignity, regardless of the outcome.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsSpeaking during a pre-match media briefing ahead of the 97th edition of the Mashemeji Derby, set to take place at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay, Zico acknowledged the passionate and often demanding nature of the Gor Mahia faithful.The former Kenya international appealed to the fans to maintain unwavering support throughout the ninety minutes and to carry themselves with respect after the final whistle.AFC Leopards coach asks for fan security ahead of Mashemeji Derby in “hostile place””For Gor Mahia, it is always about winning, and our fans are very demanding. I want to urge them to come out in large numbers and rally behind the team from the first to the final whistle,” Zico stated. “In football, anything can happen at any time. We may be trailing, but that is no reason to lose hope. Until the final minute, the game is never over. And just as important is how we respond after the match, whether it is a win, a draw, or a loss.”His remarks come as a reminder to a fan base known for its high expectations, particularly against traditional rivals, AFC Leopards.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952988##Beyond the pitch, Zico expressed his excitement over the symbolic significance of the match venue, praising the decision to take the derby outside Nairobi for the first time in history.The iconic rivalry has traditionally been played at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium, both located in the capital city.Kenya Police coach out to end Gor, Tusker league dominance”It is a positive thing that we are hosting AFC Leopards in our home region. This is exactly what a derby should feel like, bringing the match closer to the people, closer to the roots,” he noted. “I would love to see future derbies taken to other counties with rich football heritage, like Kakamega, Busia, or even Mumias. It is a way of reconnecting with the community and growing the game.”The match will kick off at 3:00 PM and will be beamed live on Azam TV.
