Mashemeji Derby postponed due to lack of suitable venue

AFC Leopards fans react against Gor Mahia during a past FKF Premier League match at the Kasarani Main Stadium in Nairobi on October 7, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya’s most iconic football clash, the Mashemeji Derby, has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of a suitable venue.

The highly anticipated showdown between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, originally slated for Sunday, November 24, 2024, has been called off by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee, citing ongoing renovations at key stadiums.

Both Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, are unavailable as they undergo upgrades ahead of major international tournaments.

Nyayo is being prepared for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda in February, while Kasarani is undergoing refurbishment for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Kenya is also a co-host.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had previously assured fans that Nyayo Stadium would be ready by November, but delays have rendered the venue unusable for the derby.

AFC Leopards confirmed the development via a social media post. 

???? ??????

We regret to inform you that the much anticipated FKF PL match - AFC Leopards SC vs Gor Mahia FC - #MashemejiDerby earlier scheduled to be played on Sunday, 24th November 2024, 1600Hrs at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi has been postponed to a later date. pic.twitter.com/jOt4aQATEV

— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) November 21, 2024

High-Stakes rivalry on pause

The Mashemeji Derby—widely regarded as Kenya's biggest football fixture—has for decades ignited passion and rivalry between the two clubs, boasting fan bases that have remained fiercely loyal since the 1960s. Such high stakes often necessitate stringent security measures, requiring a venue capable of handling the crowd and mitigating potential risks.

Adding to the intensity of this year's derby was the recent turmoil within both clubs. Gor Mahia recently parted ways with coach Leo Neiva following poor results, while AFC Leopards' head coach Thomas Trucha is under mounting pressure due to underwhelming performances.

The indefinite postponement has left fans and players alike disappointed, with the match serving as a barometer of the two clubs’ stature in the league.