By Mwibanda | Saturday, 10 May 2025 – 10:05 AM
The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been postponed due to the unavailability of a suitable venue.
In a statement released on Friday, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced that the fixture, initially scheduled for Sunday, May 11, 2025, would be rescheduled after the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani — Gor Mahia’s preferred ground — was declared unavailable by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to inform the public that the FKF Premier League match between Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards SC, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 11, 2025, has been postponed,” the statement read.
CHAN Preparations Disrupt Plans
CAF cited final preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya is co-hosting, as the reason for Kasarani’s closure.
“CAF has directed that the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani — the initially proposed venue — remains unavailable due to preparations ahead of the 2025 CHAN tournament,” FKF added.
Efforts to relocate the match to the Ulinzi Sports Complex were also unsuccessful, with venue officials citing security and safety concerns. CAF had proposed holding the match behind closed doors — an option widely seen as unacceptable to fans of the two fierce rivals.
“Despite CAF proposing the fixture be held behind closed doors to preserve CHAN infrastructure and maintain security standards, the venue declined to host the match, citing internal concerns over safety and the risk of vandalism,” the statement continued.
Nyayo Stadium, another usual venue for the derby, is temporarily closed for renovations ahead of CHAN 2025 and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
Title Race and Time Constraints
The postponement comes at a crucial point in the season, with only five match weeks remaining before the campaign ends on May 31. FKF must submit the league champion to CAF by July 1.
Gor Mahia, the home side for the derby, currently trail league leaders Kenya Police FC by five points, with one game in hand. AFC Leopards sit sixth on 42 points, still in the chase for a top-four finish.
This is not the first disruption to the derby this season — the first-leg encounter also faced similar challenges before finally being staged at Nyayo Stadium.
FKF Vows Swift Action
FKF has assured fans and stakeholders that it is working toward a swift resolution.
“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,” FKF stated.
The Mashemeji Derby, rich in history and passion, continues to be a highlight of Kenyan football. Fans across the nation now await a new date for the rescheduled clash.
