As the Basoga people from Uganda say, “Water that has been begged for does not quench the thirst.” For Fortune Sacco head coach Sylvester Odero, those words perfectly sum up his mindset heading into his first Mlima Derby against noisy neighbours 3K FC in Embu.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe match, set to be played in 3K’s backyard, Moi Stadium, on Sunday, 8 June, carries greater significance for Fortune.##NAJAVA_MECA_8966991##A win would edge them closer to their dream of earning promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL). But Odero, who took charge just two months ago, is not banking on handouts or sympathy.“We don’t need any favours from anyone,” Odero told Mozzart Sport in response to 3K assistant coach Moses Munene’s claim that they are out to “spoil Fortune’s party.”“We don’t have any party yet, we’re just going to a football match. And like the Basoga say, ‘Water that has been begged for does not quench the thirst.’ We are going to look for water ourselves.”This is not the AFCON final. This is Moi Stadium, Embu, hosting the Majirani Derby pitting 3K FC from Embu and Kirinyaga’s Fortune Sacco. Both teams are gunning for promotion to the NSL.#FootballKe pic.twitter.com/MOSWtJGWEP— Mûrîmi Njirû (@muriminjirujnr) February 11, 2024 Since Odero’s arrival, the Bankers have turned their season around dramatically.The former Kirinyaga Stars boss has overseen six matches, registering five wins and a draw, a sharp contrast to the team’s earlier form, which saw them win just twice in 10 games.CAF raises concerns over Nyayo Stadium ahead of 2024 CHANAsked what changed, Odero credited divine intervention and swift internal adjustments.“It’s God’s work, but before I joined, I had already started investigating what was wrong with the team. We found out that the problems were more off-pitch than on the field. We resolved that with the players, and now, the results speak for themselves.”Two major updates from construction of Talanta Stadium [VIDEO]Despite the derby’s rising tension, Odero has played down any sense of pressure.“No pressure. For us, it’s just another match. We’ve already played what we thought were the tough games. The pressure is on the fans, and perhaps on 3K, it’s their home, and they’ll want to win in front of their people,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_8967341##The Mlima Derby, which started in FKF Division One, has quickly gained traction across Central Kenya; from markets to matatus, it is the match on everyone’s lips.While Fortune head into the clash on an impressive nine-game unbeaten run, 3K FC have struggled of late, winning just once in their last four outings.However, 3K remain strong at home, unbeaten in their last three home games, with four wins from their last five in Embu.Michael Olunga attracts interest from 4 clubs after Al Duhail departureIn contrast, Fortune Sacco have won just once in their last six away fixtures, making the derby an intriguing contest.Adding more spice to the tie, several players will face their former employers.Lucas Askoe and Conrad Imbusi, who crossed over to Fortune from 3K in the January transfer window, will return to familiar territory, while goalkeeper Dennis “Kush” Maina, now with 3K, will line up against Fortune, where he once guarded the posts.Conrad Imbusi has joined Fortune Sacco from FKF Division Two outfit Ishiara FC #FootballKE#NSL2026 pic.twitter.com/J0ExpkMcxu— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) February 21, 2025
