The highly awaited Mashemeji Derby, a fiercely contested showdown between the storied rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, which was initially set to take place on Sunday, November 11, has been postponed indefinitely.
This announcement, made today (Thursday) by the host club – Gor Mahia, stemmed from concerns over the unavailability of a suitable venue for the match. The thrilling encounter was scheduled to unfold at the newly renovated Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani, a venue renowned for hosting significant sporting events.
The postponement is primarily a result of a directive from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has deemed the Moi International Sports Centre unsuitable for use during its ongoing renovations. This decision has left fans eagerly waiting for the opportunity to witness the electric atmosphere that accompanies this historic rivalry.
In a statement delivered this afternoon, Gor Mahia Secretary General Nick Arum expressed the club’s firm stance in rejecting a proposal from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to relocate the derby to Ulinzi Sports Complex.
“They (FKF) suggested we play the game at Ulinzi Sports Complex, but we have firmly rejected that proposal. The derby will be rescheduled for later this month, at a date and venue that will accommodate both our devoted fans and those of AFC Leopards,” Arum conveyed to the Daily Nation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fans can fully partake in this monumental event.
However, the situation remains somewhat ambiguous, as the Kenyan football governing body has not yet released any official statement to clarify the postponement, despite their responsibility as stewards of the league fixtures.
As it stands, Gor Mahia occupies a strong position in the league, sitting in second place with 53 points, just two points behind the commanding league leaders, Kenya Police FC. With only five matches left in the fiercely competitive 2024/2025 Kenya Premier League season, the anticipation continues to build among supporters eager for the return of this thrilling derby.