'We will bounce back,' promises Gor vice skipper Kibwage after humbling by APS Bomet

Gor Maria assistant captain Mike Kibwage has apologized to Gor Maria fans after losing 4-1 to bottom side Aps Bomet in a Kenya Premier League match that was played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday.

A sensational hat-trick from Hansel Ochieng on either side of half-time and a fourth from Rodgers Kipkemoi engulfed George Amonoo's fifth-minute opener, in a famous win that saw the newly promoted side hand the 21-time champions their second defeat of the season.

While speaking to the media after the shocking loss, Kibwage assured the riled-up fans that they will atone for the defeat by bouncing back stronger in their block-buster Mashemeji derby against arch rivals AFC Leopards on Saturday.

"We apologize for the poor results witnessed today, and we promise we will bounce back stronger against AFC Leopards on Saturday," said a visibly downcast Kibwage.

A win for Gor Maria would have seen them move three points ahead of second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz ahead of the Mashemeji Derby on Saturday, but it was a blessing for their opponents, who have moved a place above the relegation zone.

Kibwage believes they have what it takes to continue with their derby dominance against the Leopards.

"We are sorry for letting you down. We apologize, we will make it come on Saturday," he added.

However, the venue for the eagerly awaited Mashemeji Derby is yet to be confirmed.

Gor Mahia administrative Secretary Ronald Ngala says the Federation is still in negotiation with the organizers of World Aids Day, who had booked the Nyayo National Stadium from Saturday, November 29, to allow them to use the venue for the derby and start preparations for their event on Sunday.

He, however, says the Federation is tentatively optimistic the derby will be played on Saturday, November 29.

The initial venue slated for the match, The Kasarani Stadium, will also be unavailable for the derby due to the CAF Confederations Cup clash pitting Kenyan representatives Nairobi United against DR Congo's Maniema Union.