Gor Mahia fans during a previous Mashemeji derby - Photo FKF Media.
Former Gor Mahia top official Sally Bolo has called on Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to postpone the eagerly awaited Mashemeji derby pitting rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia scheduled for Sunday.
The two Kenyan giants will square off for the first time in the Premier League fixture. While AFC Leopards had picked Nyayo Stadium as the venue for the clash, their request has been turned down by Sports Kenya management.
According to a source within the facility, Nyayo which as been undergoing renovation work in readiness to co-host 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON, is not ready to open its doors for a match.
Bolo believes if Nyayo will not be available, then the derby should be postponed. “Reports reaching my desk indicate that Sports Kenya has denied the home team permission to host the much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby at Nyayo Stadium,” read part of the statement by Bolo obtained by Pan-Africa Football.
“With AFC Leopards set to clash with arch-rivals Gor Mahia, the husband of teams, in what is undoubtedly Kenya’s biggest match, it’s disappointing that the iconic venue won’t be available.
“Given the high-risk nature of this derby, I urge the FKF to consider postponing the match until Nyayo Stadium is ready. This would ensure the safety, atmosphere, and standards befitting such a monumental game.
“If it means waiting until after CHAN in February 2025, so be it—this Derby deserves the best stage.”
Last season, Gor Mahia took the bragging rights after beating AFC Leopards home and away. They won the first meeting 2-0 and sealed the double with a 1-0 result in the second round fixture.
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