Mashemeji derby postponed due to venue unavailability
By Rama Mohammed |
The Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, Kenya’s biggest football rivalry, has been postponed due to Nyayo National Stadium’s unavailability amid ongoing renovations.
The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia has been postponed to a later date due to the unavailability of Nyayo National Stadium.
The derby, regarded as the biggest club fixture in Kenyan football, was initially scheduled for Sunday, 24 November, with AFC Leopards set to host their arch-rivals at the Nyayo National Stadium. However, the stadium remains unavailable due to ongoing renovations.
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In a statement from the FKF Leagues and Competitions department, it was confirmed that the 96th Mashemeji Derby will no longer take place this weekend.
AFC Leopards also confirmed the development on its official social media pages.
𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄
— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) November 21, 2024
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
The fixture’s fate became uncertain earlier this week when it emerged that AFC Leopards had yet to secure Nyayo Stadium, the only venue deemed suitable for a match of this magnitude. The situation was further clarified on Wednesday when Sports Kenya confirmed that the stadium was still under renovation and not ready for use.
This postponement highlights the ongoing stadium crisis in the country, which recently forced the national team, Harambee Stars, to play their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers abroad.
Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, are currently undergoing renovations ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya is set to co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Other facilities under renovation include Bukhungu Stadium, Kasarani Annex, and Afraha Stadium, while Talanta City Stadium is still under construction and expected to be completed by December 2025.
The challenges surrounding Kenya’s sports infrastructure raise questions as the nation prepares to co-host the 2027 AFCON.
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