After hours of uncertainty, it is now official -the highly anticipated Mashemeji derby first leg between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, originally scheduled for this Sunday, has been postponed for the second time due to the unavailability of a suitable venue.
“CLUB UPDATE: Derby Postponement – Due to the unavailability of a match venue, we hereby postpone our match to a later date. We shall communicate the rescheduled date in due course,” AFC Leopards, the host club, announced on their social media.
The club had initially indicated in their poster that the match would take place at Nyayo International Stadium.
However, it was later moved to Moi International Stadium, Kasarani.
Unfortunately, their efforts to secure the venue have been in vain, as Kasarani remains closed for renovations ahead of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
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This is not surprising, as AFC Leopards’ chairman, Dan Shikanda, had previously stated that neither of the two main stadiums would be available.
“We may not play at Kasarani, and I can’t accept that the fixture be held at Dandora or Kenyatta in Machakos because these venues are inadequate for such a high-profile match,” Shikanda told The Nation.
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Shikanda had hoped that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) would consider his suggestion to move the match to a neighboring country such as Uganda or Tanzania. However, his request was not granted.
“As of now, the game is scheduled for Sunday, but there is no venue, and I don’t know where we will play. Let FKF make arrangements so that we can play in Tanzania or Uganda, where Harambee Stars have hosted their matches,” he added.
Kenya has only two stadiums capable of accommodating the intensity of this match: Kasarani and Nyayo.
Venues like Dandora and Kenyatta, typically used by the two teams, cannot support such a high-profile game.
Shikanda is unwilling to take the risk, and hosting the match behind closed doors is also not a viable option for either team.
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With uncertainty still clouding the match’s location, both teams are experiencing an underwhelming season, displaying inconsistent performances that have added frustration for their loyal supporters.
AFC Leopards are currently in fifth place with 34 points from nine wins, seven draws, and five losses after 21 matches, while Gor Mahia is just above them in third place with 36 points from 10 wins, six draws, and five losses.
Gor Mahia, who are expected to host the second leg on April 6, 2025, won both derbies last season and have only lost once in the last 16 encounters between the two clubs.