Kenya’s all-time champions, Gor Mahia, are sharing their plans for the venue of the upcoming Mashemeji Derby as they look to keep their winning streak alive. Fresh off a 1-0 win against Shabana FC, they’re gearing up to face AFC Leopards this Sunday, May 11.
While it’s not officially set yet, Gor Mahia seems to think that Moi International Sport Center Kasarani might be the spot for the match, especially since it’s been closed for renovations for a while now. Both Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium have been undergoing upgrades since last year in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) and haven’t hosted any games recently.
There were talks about having the match at Kasarani back in March, but it didn’t happen because the venue wasn’t ready, and Nyayo Stadium ended up hosting instead. Now that Nyayo is also under renovation—with a new tartan track being laid—Kasarani seems to be the only option left. Gor Mahia is feeling pretty confident about it since they’re the home team this time around.
The club’s official social media page announced that club officials visited Kasarani Stadium to assess the condition of the facilities and requested that the venue be available for the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday.
“Club officials Vice Chair Sally Bolo, Secretary General Nick Arum, and Treasurer Gerphas Okuku were at Kasarani Stadium to inspect the venue that will host the Mashemeji Derby this Sunday. Everything is set for the big match,” Gor Mahia posted on social media.
In the first leg, hosted by AFC at Nyayo National Stadium, attendance exceeded the required 30,000 spectators. This caused concern for the Kenya Football governing body, prompting them to issue a statement recommending that future matches of such significance be held at venues with larger capacities than Nyayo National Stadium.
If approved, this match will be the first to take place at the newly renovated Kasarani Stadium, which is being prepared for both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027.