AFC Leopards will on this Sunday host arch-rivals Gor Mahia in a season-defining Mashemeji Derby at Safaricom Stadium Kasarani. A win for Leopards will see them go 39 points, nine shy of their arch-rivals as the season nears its end. A loss will however end their slim title hopes and hand Gor Mahia an un-assailable lead at the top of the standings on 52 points, with three games in hand.

AFC must be wary of a free-scoring Gor side, who thrashed Tanzanian club, Yanga 4-0 on Wednesday in a CAF Confederations Cup fixture at the same venue. Coach Rodolfo Zapata’s side goes into the epic clash without dependable captain, Duncan Otieno who sits out after accumulating five yellow cards while Gor May miss the services of Boniface Otieno in goal, Ernest Wendo and Joash Onyango at the middle of the pack and George Odhiambo in attack.

A win for AFC will see them become the only side to stop the run-away league leaders in local action, besides earning the bragging rights. This will be the 85th meeting between the two sides and AFC are keen to add to their 28 league wins.

The match was previously set to be played on May 26th but was postponed to accommodate Harambee Stars’ international friendlies calendar. The match will kick off at 1500hrs with tickets going for Ksh200 regular and Ksh500 VIP section.

AFC Leopards on Wednesday 18th July entered into a one-year partnership with Infinity Fitness Centre in a move aimed at improving the senior player’s fitness, mental strength and stamina. The launch which was held at the gym was attended by Infinity Director – Ronit Kanani,  AFC Leopards Vice Chairman – Mr. Felix Shitsama, Oscar Igaida-Secretary General, AFC Leopards technical bench, players as well as members of staff from both sides.

Speaking during the ceremony was AFC Leopards CEO who outlined the importance of the facility its impact to both the players and the game. “The launching of this partnership is the beginning of our aspiration of applying modern and scientific findings to enhance our performance. I give an ocean of appreciations to the director and management of infinity Gym in availing such well-equipped gym facility for AFC leopards Sports Club use. “said Abisai

“This infinity gym will be very resourceful to our club because fitness is one of the ingredients for effective performance. Effective utilization of the facility will not only help our players to develop the stamina and strength required for the rigorous of the modern football but also help our players cope mental and physical demands of football while at the same time enabling them to efficiently use their technical and tactical skills.” He added.

Infinity Fitness Centre C.E.O also did not hide his delight labelling Leopards as an iconic and a force to reckon in Kenyan football. “It’s great to have AFC on board. They are one of the biggest teams in Kenyan football and it’s an extreme honor. “We hope our facilities will be adequate enough to help in your quest to win the league title again,” Ronit Kanani, the CEO of Infinity Fitness Centre stated.

 “I thanks to everyone for attending this occasion and apologies for the members who couldn’t show up, some are busy organising our game against Gor this weekend,” the clubs Secretary General- Oscar Igaida said. “Our main focus as a club is to take the team back to what it used to be and challenge for the league title,” Igaida added.

Thank you so much Infinity, this facility will help us up our game as AFC. “I urge my fellow players to be more committed to making use of this facility so that we can improve our performance,” Duncan -Leopards captain. Leopards will now use the facilities for the next one year as they look to improve and dominate Kenyan football in the near future.

AFC Leopards’ push for an unlikely title took a hit when visiting Bandari held them to a barren draw in KPL match played on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium. The draw leaves Leopards in the fourth place, four points behind Sofapaka in second place but have played a game more.

The battling Coastal side threatened to take the lead in the 9th minute through Yema Mwana was spurned his chance under pressure from Leopards defender Salim Abdalla. In a game of few chances, Leopards squandered a glorious opportunity to snatch three points when new signing, Alex Orotomal missed a penalty in the 30th minute, after Ezekiel Odera was upheld in the Bandari box.

In the 51st minute, Leopards lost yet another chance when youngster Odeny failed to hit the target. AFC Leopards’ fans thought their team had bagged three points in the 76sth minute but Odeny’s effort after beating Bandari custodian, Farouk Shikhalo only saw the referee award a goal-kick much to the chagrin of the Leopards’ faithful.

The draw leaves Leopards with a mountain to climb ahead of next weekend’s explosive derby against runaway leaders Gor Mahia, who are 13 points ahead of Leopards.

The Mashemeji derby will be played at Safaricom Stadium Kasarani on Sunday.

AFC Leopards XI: Ezekiel Owade, Dennis Shikayi, Isaac Oduro, Robinson Kamura, Hassan Abdalla, Duncan Oteino, Brian Marita, Ezekiel Seda, Alex Orotomal, Ezekiel Odera and Jaffery Owiti.

Subs: Jairus Adira, Michael Kibwage, Mburu, Clyde senaji, Vincent Oburu and Eugene Mukangula.