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Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby faces uncertainty as FKF struggles to secure a suitable venue amid renovations and rising security concerns.
The fate of Sunday’s Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards hangs in the balance following failure by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to secure a suitable venue for the high-stakes encounter.
Stadium Crisis Threatens Mashemeji Derby
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The Star has reported that two traditional venues—Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium—are currently unavailable due to ongoing renovations, forcing FKF to consider less ideal alternatives just days before the clash.
“Ulinzi complex is too tiny for the big derby, FKF should just postpone the match until an appropriate venue is available. Fans, players and officials will be in danger if the match is played at Ulinzi,” said Ochieng Changes, a die-hard KO’gallo fan.
Renovations Render Key Venues Unavailable
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Kasarani is reportedly 90 percent complete, with contractors applying final touches ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off on August 2.
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However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has maintained that the stadium is not yet fit to host matches, warning FKF against scheduling any games there.
Nyayo Stadium is also out of play due to a tartan track makeover in preparation for the Kip Keino Classic, slated for May 31. The aging track has been removed and a new red tartan surface is being installed. Athletics Kenya is working against the clock to ensure the stadium is ready for the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.
Security Concerns Loom Over Ulinzi Proposal
In response to the venue crisis, FKF is considering the 10,000-seater Ulinzi Sports Complex as a backup option for Sunday’s derby.
However, the proposal has sparked a wave of concern among fans and stakeholders, who say the facility is too small to safely host a game of such magnitude.
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The derby's first leg, played on March 30 at Nyayo Stadium, ended in a goalless draw and attracted over 30,000 fans. AFC Leopards, the home team, earned KSH 7.3 million in gate collections, underlining the fixture’s massive fan draw.
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Security concerns are adding to the urgency. A recent FKF Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia at Gusii Stadium on May 4 was marred by crowd trouble, which left 72 fans injured, some seriously. The match was delayed by over 30 minutes and halted twice due to the unrest.
Both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards command the largest and most passionate fanbases in the country.
Authorities are wary of a repeat of the Gusii chaos, especially if the derby is played in a compact stadium without adequate crowd control measures.
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