The new Gor Mahia coach has opened up about the pressure surrounding his first Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards.

Gor Mahia fans have already sent a stark warning to newly-appointed coach Charles Akonnor ahead of their clash against AFC Leopards in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The rivalry between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards dates back to the 70s, and it remains a significant part of Kenyan football history to this date.

Charles Akonnor revealed that he is already aware of the significance of the Mashemeji derby and how crucial it is for Gor Mahia to secure a win over AFC Leopards.

The Ghanaian has already guided Gor Mahia to a 1-0 loss against Bidco United in the first league match played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Charles Akonnor pointed out that during his unveiling, he was made aware of AFC Leopards. He explained that rivalries are normal in football as he went down memory lane on his time coaching Ghana’s Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.

The former Ghana Black Stars coach pointed out that, however, it would not make sense if Gor Mahia win all matches and lose to AFC Leopards and vice versa.

“I know. I’ve heard of AFC Leopards, isn’t it? I know. I mean, when they unveiled me, some of the supporters came and they were warning me, you know, I have to be careful. I can win anything, but I must win against AFC Leopards,” Charles Akonnor said in an interview with SportPesa.

“So, I’m aware of that. I mean, if you look at everywhere in the world, there’s this rival, you know, like between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. I have a sense of that judgment, but you know it won’t be nice to win all the matches and lose to AFC Leopards. It will also not make sense to lose all the matches and win against AFC Leopards.”

Charles Akonnor explained that his major reason for agreeing to coach Gor Mahia was not solely to beat AFC Leopards, but pointed out that to impress the fans, he will ensure K’Ogalo triumphs.

On top of that, Charles Akonnor wants to raise the standards of Gor Mahia to become like Simba SC, noting that the club has to go back to its winning ways and high profile.

“That’s not why we are here; we are here to try as much as we can to win the league and then move to the next level, the Champions League. If indeed we get that advantage, that privilege, that’s what we’re looking for,” Charles Akonnor revealed.

“So yes, the idea of AFC Leopards is there because it’s the heart of our fans, and we will make sure we do well. We have to be aware that there’s a bigger picture than our parts.”

The much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been slated for Week 11 of the league calendar, with Ingwe set to visit arch-rivals K’Ogalo on November 30, 2025.

Last season’s encounters were fiercely contested but also disrupted by several postponements. Ultimately, the spoils were shared through a goalless draw at Nyayo Stadium and a 1-1 stalemate at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.

AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani will be hoping to extend his remarkable record in the derby. As a player, he never lost to Gor Mahia, and as a coach, he remains unbeaten in two meetings — a streak he’ll be eager to preserve in one of East Africa’s most iconic football fixtures.