Ibrahim Bakare and Nicky Gyimah both call England their home, where football is a religion and a proper derby is a war. With their expertise, Bakare and Gyimah can both see the early ingredients for this new rivalry against Pacific FC to become one of the best derbies in Canada, even after just two matches.
“I was playing for Sunderland last season and obviously the fans over there, they are football crazy,” reflects Gyimah. “…To be fair, I’ve seen a similar attitude in our fans, they’re always behind us.
“The fans are loud, the fans are energetic and it translates into the players as well. I definitely, really enjoy it,” continues Gyimah.
Bakare, who played in the Welsh derby between Swansea and Cardiff, recalls that his former team’s attitude was to make their home a fortress. “That’s the culture we want to implement [at VFC], just have [the fans] obsessed and fully in love with us as players and as a club,” adds Bakare.
Some may think that it is too soon to be talking about a rivalry with Pacific after only two matches played. However, it only takes one incident, one turning point to make a rivalry personal and create a true derby. “[They] haven’t treated us respectfully in our home ground,” explains Bakare. “Each game means more than just a simple three points. It’s bragging rights. It’s about…our pride as football clubs.”
The table is set for another vibrant game on the pitch and an electric environment in the stands. While the previous matches resulted in both teams adding chapters to the history books, Vancouver is ready to fight and register their first victory against Pacific. From their own international experiences with historic rivalries, Gymiah and Bakare can assure that this game against the Island squad will be played as if it’s a cup final.
Cheer on VFC in one of the biggest games of the season and enjoy the experience of what a home derby is like against Pacific FC this Saturday, August 19th with a 1 p.m. kick-off. Tickets can be purchased here or at gate 1 of the Langley Events Centre.
