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AFC Leopards lament millions in lost revenue after their Mashemeji Derby clash with Gor Mahia was postponed due to venue unavailability.
AFC Leopards’ management is counting heavy financial losses following the postponement of their much-anticipated Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) clash against archrivals Gor Mahia.
The highly awaited Mashemeji Derby was initially set to be played on Sunday, first at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, before being moved to Nyayo Stadium. However, the match was postponed due to both venues being unavailable.
This marks the second time that Leopards’ home fixture against Gor Mahia has been postponed due to a lack of a suitable venue.
The original fixture was scheduled for November 24 at Kasarani but had to be rescheduled, and now the latest postponement has further frustrated club officials, players, and fans.
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Speaking on Thursday, AFC Leopards' Secretary General, Gilbert Andugu, revealed the club had projected a significant revenue boost from ticket sales, with over 15,000 fans expected to attend the game at Nyayo National Stadium.
This would have translated to gate collections of approximately Sh5 million.
“We had done all the arrangements as we waited for an approval from Sports Kenya and Kenya Africa Nations Championship (Chan) Local Organizing Committee to use the 30,000-capacity venue, only to be told the facility was still undergoing renovations ahead of the Chan in August,” said Andugu in an interview with Nation.
The club had set ticket prices at Sh1,000 for VVIP, Sh500 for VIP, and Sh300 for regular seats, expecting a major financial boost from one of Kenya’s biggest football rivalries.
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However, with no new date confirmed, Leopards face the challenge of adjusting their financial plans as they await a suitable venue.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Harold Ndege assured fans that the match would be rescheduled at the earliest possible opportunity once an appropriate venue is secured.
“The match will be played as soon as a suitable venue is available,” he stated.
The postponement not only impacted the clubs but also businesses and entertainers who were banking on the high-profile fixture.
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Among those lamenting the lost revenue are Naftali Shitoka of Western Commandos and Loboko Pasi of Super Mazembe Academia, musical groups that had been hired to entertain fans at Nyayo Stadium before kickoff.
The club is now pushing for better planning and coordination in the future to avoid similar disruptions that cost teams millions and disappoint fans across the country.
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