By James Waindi

Ugandan international Jimmy Bagaye was Gor Mahia’s striker in the 2005/2006 season and his goals helped the team survive relegation at a time the club was struggling.

Since he left the team to join World Hope, now Nairobi City Stars in 2007, the diminutive striker has always returned to haunt his former employers.

New AFC Leopards striker Jimmy Bagaye in action for his former side City Stars. The striker who is also a former Gor Mahia player is raring to face his former side on Sunday. Photo: Boniface Okendo/Standard

He has scored in all his encounters with K’Ogalo, the latest being on April 9, when he handed match favourites Gor a painful 1-0 defeat to earn bottom placed City Stars their first win of the season at the City Stadium.

Now Bagaye is looking forward to open his goal account for his new club AFC Leopards at Kenya’s own El Classico between arch rivals Gor and Leopards at for Nyayo Stadium on Sunday afternoon. He is confident he would maintain his scoring record against Gor.

"It is going to be a big game, I am sure of that and I relish the challenge. We have been experiencing a tough time, losing two matches in a row, but our win against Thika United last weekend has given us morale and we are in high spirits," said Bagaye.

While Gor Mahia have been doing well in the season, lying just six points behind league leaders Tusker and with two matches in hand, their rivals Leopards are 12th with 19 points from 16 matches. Gor also have a better record compared to their opponents, having only lost two matches the entire season, compared to Leopards nine loses during the season so far.

"I believe the league is still very open and the disparity between Leopards and the leaders is not massive. I am optimistic I would open my goal account for Leopards this Sunday after failing to find the back of the net since I joined the team last month.

"I have been scoring against Gor Mahia every time I play against them ever since I left the team in 2006 and I plan to maintain the record during the derby," Bagaye said.

Both teams made high profile signing in mid season, with Leopards bring on board Bagaye, Burundian Jonas Paca, Robert Onsongoh, Mike Barasa, Charles Okwemba, Oscar Kadenge, Francis Chinjili and Collins Kisuya.

On the other hand Gor landed the signatures of Congolese Dimonde Selenga, Wyclife Ochomo, Haji Mwachoki and Kevin Ochieng’, making the clash a must watch derby.

The match is scheduled for 3pm on Sunday.