Gor Mahia's Mashemeji Derby clash with AFC Leopards has been thrown in limbo as Kenya's biggest fixture faces uncertain future
The 97th Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been thrown into limbo following its postponement.
The fixture, which was originally scheduled for Sunday at Kasarani, did not go on as planned due to the lack of a suitable venue following the unavailability of the under-renovation stadium earmarked for the 2024 African Nations Championship.
This prompted both Gor Mahia and the Football Kenya Federation to issue separate statements announcing the postponement.
The fixture faces the same fate as the first leg, where Leopards were the hosts and had to postpone the clash twice before eventually holding it at Nyayo Stadium.
Gor Mahia, as the hosts, are under pressure to find a suitable venue. Pulse Sport looks at three key fixes to salvage the Mashemeji Derby.
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13:07 - 12.05.2025
Mashemeji Derby: Why Gor Mahia Was Justified To Reject FKF Directive As Clash Against AFC Leopards Thrown in Limbo
FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia reportedly rejected FKF's proposal to host the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards at the Ulinzi Sports Complex with Kasarani Stadium unavailable.
1. Ulinzi Sports Complex
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The next best option that was presented to Gor Mahia following the unavailability of Kasarani was to host the clash against Leopards at Ulinzi.
It is reported that FKF presented this offer to Gor Mahia as a second alternative to limit the numbers for the volatile fixture.
However, Gor Mahia turned down the offer, opting instead for postponement.
However, should they be pressed into a corner, the Kenya Defence Forces' home could be a viable option.
2. Hold the Match Behind Closed Doors
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It is a possibility that has been thrown around, one that fans and Gor Mahia leadership will not like to hear.
The Mashemeji Derby is the most profitable fixture in Kenyan football, and holding the match behind closed doors will deny them the bumper matchday revenue collection.
However, with the fixture’s fate hanging in the balance and no venue deemed fit to host the two massive fan bases, Gor Mahia could be pressed into a corner to completely bar fans from the clash.
The suitability of Kasarani and Nyayo is that the stadia offer better room for crowd control in case chaos breaks out.
The situation is especially heightened by the Shabana vs. Gor Mahia clash, which was marred by violence after calls to hold the high-risk clash at either Nyayo or Kasarani were not acted on.
With those preceding events, it is a concern that holding the fixture anywhere but Kasarani or Nyayo — which are unavailable — could be a crowd risk, prompting a behind-closed-doors encounter.
3. Wait Out the Renovations at Kasarani And Nyayo
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While Gor Mahia do not have the same leeway that Leopards did to wait out the renovations, it’s still a viable option.
With four games to go, progress could be made at either ground allowing for the clash to go on.
The tartan track being laid at Nyayo could be complete as soon as towards the end of May, with the Kip Keino Classic poised to be hosted at the ground on May 31.
On the other hand, Kasarani is in the latter stages of construction, which could be sped up to allow room for Gor Mahia to host Leopards at the stadium.