Gor Mahia VP Hits Back at AFC Leopards Fans Amid Derby Postponement Threat Due to Stadium Unavailability

The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby, scheduled for November 30 at Kasarani Stadium, is in jeopardy of being postponed due to a shortage of approved venues, according to Gor Mahia vice chairperson Sally Bolo.

The latest scheduling conflict threatens to delay Kenya's most famous football rivalry for the third time in a year, sparking debate among fans.

In a statement on her official Facebook page, Sally Bolo explained that the issue stems from a clash with a continental fixture.

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Nairobi United have already booked Kasarani Stadium for their CAF Confederation Cup group stage match against AS Maniema Union of DR Congo on the same day.

Sally Bolo emphasised that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) operates under the authority of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Consequently, CAF-sanctioned matches take precedence over all domestic league games, including the derby.

The problem is compounded by the fact that Nyayo Stadium is unavailable, having been reserved for a government function on the same date. This leaves no CAF-approved stadium available for the derby.

"First of all, FKF is subordinate to CAF, and CAF activities ALWAYS take precedence. CAF Interclub fixtures, especially group stage matches, are played on the third day of the window,” Sally Bolo said.

“Match Day 2 falls between 28th–30th November, so the third day lands squarely on the 30th. That means Nairobi United must host AS Maniema Union at Kasarani," Sally Bolo added, explaining that these matches must be held at either Kasarani or Nyayo Stadium, the only two venues in Kenya currently approved by CAF for such high-level competitions.

Bolo also clarified that rescheduling the Confederation Cup match is not an option, as CAF rules require visiting teams to train at the match venue at least one day before kickoff.

With both Nairobi stadiums out of the picture, Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay has been suggested as a potential alternative.

However, the final decision rests with the FKF, which is expected to issue a directive on whether the match will be moved or rescheduled.

Responding to accusations from some AFC Leopards fans that Gor Mahia was using the venue crisis as an excuse to avoid the match, Sally Bolo dismissed the claims as unfounded.

"Dear football lovers, I have seen the noise coming from the AFC Leopards corner. Let me educate you politely before emotions start fighting with basic football logic," she wrote.

“Now, my dear AFC Leopards family…Don’t flatter yourselves. Gor Mahia has beaten you in Kenya, outside Kenya, home, away, in daylight and floodlights, not once, not twice.

“Historically, you have been one of our most loyal wives, faithfully collecting your beatings like rent. So no, we are not afraid. We are simply following CAF rules while you follow emotions.”

Sally Bolo insisted the issue was purely logistical and regulatory, pointing to Gor Mahia's dominant record in the fixture as evidence that they have no reason to fear their rivals.

"We are waiting for FKF’s directions, and once the venue is confirmed, we shall meet you properly because trust me, we are very sure of beating you," she concluded.

This is not the first time the derby has faced logistical hurdles. A match on November 24, 2024, was called off due to renovations at Nyayo Stadium.

The rescheduled fixture on May 2, 2025, was also cancelled because both Kasarani and Nyayo were unavailable for CHAN 2024 preparations.