){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
POR
){kind=small}
SOF
){kind=small}
MSU
){kind=small}
MUR
){kind=small}
POL
){kind=small}
SHA
){kind=small}
TUF
){kind=small}
KAS
){kind=small}
MAU
){kind=small}
BAN
){kind=small}
KCB
){kind=small}
NAC
){kind=small}
FCT
){kind=small}
AFC
){kind=small}
ULS
){kind=small}
GOM
){kind=small}
BID
){kind=small}
KAK
)
The upcoming Mashemeji Derby featuring Gor Mahia hosting AFC Leopards next Monday will be hosted at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, a ground Ambani considers potentially 'hostile' for his team.
AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has raised the alarm over potential security concerns ahead of the highly anticipated 97th Mashemeji Derby against Gor Mahia, which will be staged at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Monday.
While the Mashemeji Derby is traditionally played in Nairobi, this edition marks the first time in years that the clash between Kenya’s fiercest football rivals will take place outside the capital.
For Ambani, who never lost to Gor Mahia during his playing days and now boasts the same record as a coach, the unfamiliar setting is cause for concern.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
“It is not the first time the derby has been held outside Nairobi. It has been a while since it happened, but people have become accustomed to it being played in Nairobi,” said Ambani.
“Now it is being taken to a place where AFC Leopards fans feel is a hostile environment. They are taking the derby to a place we are not used to.”
Ambani expressed worries that the unique derby atmosphere—typically marked by a blend of fierce rivalry and mutual respect—might not be fully understood by local fans in Western Kenya.
Ambani Worried About Potential Security Loop Holes
)
“Normally in Nairobi, both sets of fans may have formed a co-existing relationship,” he explained. “But now, the derby has been taken to a place where the fans there might not really understand that there are protocols that need observing. They may assume football is about having personal rivalry.”
The Leopards tactician called on Gor Mahia, the designated home team, to prioritize safety arrangements.
“Gor Mahia need to keenly pay adherence to security measures for that day to guarantee that everyone stays safe,” he emphasized.
His sentiments echo earlier remarks from Gor Mahia assistant coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, who defended the decision to host the match in Homa Bay. Zico argued that taking the game to the region was a strategic move in the club’s bid to cement their title charge, while also tapping into their fanbase in the lakeside county.
Zico: Playing Derby in Homa Bay Good For Kenyan Football
“Football is played everywhere in Kenya, not just in Nairobi,” said Zico. “We want to take the game closer to our fans who rarely get to see us live.”
While Gor Mahia have the league title in their sights, AFC Leopards head into the derby with only pride at stake—yet Ambani insists that makes his side just as dangerous.
“Gor Mahia has something to go for. They are going for the league title. We have nothing to lose, but we have pride to play for and a reason to make our fans happy,” he stated.
The 97th Mashemeji Derby is expected to draw thousands of fans to Homa Bay, setting the stage for a historic showdown—if security concerns don’t overshadow the footballing spectacle.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)