The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia has been thrown into a whirlwind of uncertainty, with a last-minute venue change and contractual disputes surrounding star striker Benson Omala adding fuel to the already fiery rivalry.
The clash, originally scheduled for November 2024 but postponed due to venue unavailability, has once again been plagued by logistical challenges.
Initially announced to be held at the Kasarani Stadium, the match will now take place at Nyayo National Stadium this Sunday at 4:00 PM.
This abrupt switch comes as Kasarani remains a construction site, undergoing extensive renovations for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024), now set for August.
AFC Leopards Chairman, Dan Shikanda, expressed his frustration earlier in the week, even hinting at the possibility of moving the derby to neighboring Tanzania or Uganda due to the initial difficulty in securing either Nyayo or Kasarani.
“We cannot play at any venue other than Kasarani or Nyayo,” Shikanda stated to Citizen Digital. “Since Kasarani remains unavailable due to the ongoing canopy installation, we’ve written to Sports Kenya for Nyayo Stadium.”
After a series of meetings and negotiations, Sports Kenya, the state’s stadia management body, finally granted permission for the match to be held at Nyayo, which is also undergoing refurbishments for CHAN 2024.
Shikanda urged Leopards fans to “turn up in large numbers to support the team once Nyayo is confirmed to host the biggest fixture in the country.”
The derby, known for its high-risk nature, traditionally takes place at either Nyayo or Kasarani.
The ongoing renovations for CHAN 2024, initially scheduled for February, have created significant logistical hurdles for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the clubs.
Adding to the pre-match drama is the situation surrounding Benson Omala, the former Gor Mahia striker recently released by Lebanese club Al Safa SC. Rumors of a potential return to Gor Mahia have been swiftly dismissed by club chairman Ambrose Rachier.
He cited concerns about potential FIFA sanctions due to the “opaque” contractual situation with Al Safa SC.
“We have not talked with him. The position of his contract with the Lebanese side Al Safa is still opaque, and engaging him at the moment can possibly hand us FIFA sanctions,” Rachier told Citizen Digital.
He clarified that Gor Mahia would only consider re-signing Omala once his contractual status is clarified by Al Safa SC.
Despite Gor Mahia’s recent struggles in front of goal, Rachier maintains that the team is not in a rush to sign a new striker.
“We are in no hurry to sign a striker. I know the head coach has raised a genuine concern, but a derby does not depend on our current form whatsoever,” he said.
He further hinted that the club is actively pursuing players in other departments and may finalize deals before the mid-season transfer window closes.
On the field, Gor Mahia currently sit third in the FKF Premier League standings with 36 points, two ahead of fifth-placed AFC Leopards. Gor Mahia have historically dominated the Mashemeji Derby, completing a double over their rivals last season.
