The highly anticipated clash between longtime football rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, popularly known as the Mashemeji Derby, has been officially postponed. The match, initially scheduled for Sunday, November 24, 2024, will now take place on a later date to be announced.
Reason for Postponement
The postponement was confirmed by AFC Leopards, the designated home team for the fixture. The decision stemmed from the unavailability of a suitable venue to host the game.
Earlier, the Nyayo National Stadium had been earmarked as the venue for the derby. However, ongoing construction and renovation work at the stadium has rendered it unavailable. Nyayo Stadium is currently undergoing upgrades in preparation for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda in February 2025.
Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen had previously assured that Nyayo Stadium would be ready by November. However, delays in the construction timeline have left the facility unavailable for the derby.
The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, another suitable venue, has also been ruled out as it is undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya is set to co-host.
Impact of the Postponement
The postponement of the Mashemeji Derby has come as a major disappointment to football fans across Kenya. Widely regarded as the biggest football event in the country, the derby traditionally attracts thousands of fans from all corners of Kenya, filling stadiums with passionate support.
Given the massive fan turnout expected for such a high-profile fixture, it is unlikely that the derby will be rescheduled until a venue like Nyayo Stadium, with its 30,000-seating capacity, becomes available.
This postponement marks a missed opportunity for local football enthusiasts, who look forward to the spectacle of the Mshemeji Derby as a highlight of the domestic football calendar.
Future Prospects
The new date for the Mashemeji Derby will be announced once a suitable venue is identified. With renovations at Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani ongoing, there is growing anticipation about whether the facilities will be completed in time to host this iconic rivalry.
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