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Mashemeji Derby return match suspended, with officials citing scheduling issues; new date remains unclear as fans await further updates.
The Gor Mahia versus AFC Leopards Premier League match that was set for Sunday has been postponed to an unknown date, the Football Kenya Federation Leagues and Competitions Committee has confirmed.
In a statement released Friday evening, the Federation blamed the unavailability of a suitable venue and wider security concerns as the reasons behind the postponement of Kenya’s most eagerly awaited football fixture — the Mashemeji Derby.
"This decision follows recent developments regarding the availability of suitable venues for the fixture. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has directed that the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani - the initially proposed venue - remains unavailable due to final preparations ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), for which it is a designated competition venue," the statement reads.
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Proposed Alternative Rejected Over Safety Concerns
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The announcement came as a surprise to many, particularly after FKF Secretary Harold Ndege had earlier confirmed Kasarani as the venue, promising maximum security for the high-stakes encounter.
In response to Kasarani’s unavailability, CAF had proposed that the match be moved to the Ulinzi Sports Complex and played without fans in attendance. However, the proposal faced a major hurdle when the alternative venue declined to host the game.
"CAF had further proposed that the fixture be moved to the Ulinzi Sports Complex and played behind closed doors to preserve CHAN infrastructure and maintain security standards. However, the venue declined to host the match, citing internal concerns around safety and the risk of vandalism," the statement noted.
The Federation revealed that it held a consultative meeting with both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on Friday, May 9, to communicate the situation and the way forward.
"Following these developments, FKF held a meeting with representatives from both Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards SC on Friday, 9 May 2025. The two clubs have been formally informed of the situation and are aware of the reasons behind the decision to postpone the fixture," it added.
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Gor Mahia Highlights Safety Fears After Kisii Chaos
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The timing of the postponement coincides with increased scrutiny over security at local league matches. Sources within Gor Mahia revealed that the club was not keen on risking the safety of its supporters, especially after recent violent scenes during their match against Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium.
Several fans were injured during the chaos, prompting Gor Mahia to issue a strongly-worded letter to the federation, dated May 6 and signed by chairman Ambrose Rachier.
The letter criticized the handling of the incident at Gusii Stadium and firmly declared that the club would not return to the venue under the current circumstances.
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"With no suitable venue currently available, FKF has resolved to postpone the match to a later date, which will be communicated in due course. This fixture remains one of the most anticipated on the Kenyan football calendar, and we regret the inconvenience this change may cause to supporters, clubs, and partners," the FKF concluded.
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