Fred Ambani, a former player for Ingwe in the ‘90s, has drawn inspiration from his playing days as he takes on the role of interim head coach for AFC Leopards. He reminds his squad that he never lost a derby match as a player—a record he hopes to replicate as a coach.
Despite the challenges ahead, Ambani remains confident that his team can turn their fortunes around.
“I played in the derby, and during my time, I never lost to Gor Mahia. As a coach, I don’t intend to drop points either, and I’ve conveyed this to my players,” Ambani stated.
He stressed that the key to winning lies more in mental strength than in skill.
“I’ve reminded the players that it’s all in the mind. It’s a huge game for the fans, but for us, it’s just another match. The hype can create pressure, but I’ve prepared them mentally, and they’re ready.”
Ambani also spoke about the team’s recent struggles with scoring, assuring fans that the issue has been addressed.
“Yes, our attack has faced challenges, mainly due to injuries. However, we’ve focused on this in training, and the available forwards have been working on improving their finishing. I’m confident we’ll be more clinical in this match.”
Club captain Clifton Miheso, fully aware of the derby’s intensity, has called on Ingwe fans to come out in large numbers as the team aims for a rare victory against his former club, Gor Mahia.
