Kenya’s most anticipated club fixture, the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, is facing an unexpected twist as uncertainty looms over its venue.
With Moi International Sports Centre undergoing renovations ahead of the rescheduled 2024 African Nations Championships, the clash originally set for March 2, may be moved to Uganda or Tanzania.
AFC Leopards chairman Daniel Shikanda has raised concerns over the lack of a suitable alternative venue within Kenya, ruling out options such as Dandora and Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. “We may not play in Kasarani, and I can’t accept the fixture to be played at Dandora or Machakos because these venues cannot stage such a big fixture,” Shikanda asserted.
The ongoing renovation at Kasarani has thrown the fixture into limbo, with Shikanda questioning the feasibility of hosting a match in an active construction site. “How would you move the canopy at Kasarani, which is still under construction?” he questioned.
With no clear venue in sight, Shikanda has suggested that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) consider moving the game across the border. “If there is no convenient venue, then the fixture will either be postponed or will go to Uganda or Tanzania, where Harambee Stars recently played their matches,” he stated, as quoted by the Daily Nation.
This highly anticipated showdown was initially scheduled for November 23 last year but was postponed due to simultaneous renovations at both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium. Now, with just days left until the fixture date, the debate over the venue remains unresolved.
In the current Kenya Premier League standings, only two points separate the rivals. Gor Mahia sits third with 36 points, while AFC Leopards closely trail in fifth place with 34 points, adding further intensity to what promises to be a thrilling encounter wherever it may be played.
