The fixture, which was scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd, will not be played as planned after FKF confirmed in a statement seen by Flashscore that the home team, who are AFC Leopards, had failed to secure a suitable venue to host the high-profile contest.
“FKF regrets to announce the postponement of the highly anticipated FKF Premier League derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia originally scheduled for Sunday,” read part of the statement from FKF secretariat.
“The decision follows the inability of the designated home team to secure a suitable venue for the awaited match. Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani, the primary venues for such high-profile fixtures, remain unavailable due to the ongoing renovations in preparations for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament scheduled for August.”
Without divulging new dates for the clash, the statement concluded: “We know this is disappointing for the fans, players and everyone who had been looking forward to the match, but we are working to ensure it is played under the right conditions. A new date for the match will be communicated in due course. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
As per the fixtures released at the start of the season, the first round meeting was scheduled earlier for Sunday, November 24th, 2024, but it was postponed owing to similar reasons.
The only venues that can host the fixture is Nyayo and Kasarani, and with Kenya bracing to co-host 2024 CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), both venues are currently undergoing thorough renovation.
During a recent visit by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection team, only Nyayo Stadium was approved to host Kenya national team Harambee Stars’ next 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture against Gabon on March 22nd. According to the African body, the decision was reached to gauge the preparedness of Nyayo Stadium ahead of hosting CHAN.
Following the renovation work at Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, Harambee Stars were barred from using the venues. In fact, the last time Kenya played a fixture on their home ground was on September 12th, 2023, a friendly that they lost 1-0 against South Sudan.
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards should own stadiums
The latest development drew mixed reactions amongst fans of the two clubs – AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia – with a section of them calling on the clubs to stop depending on government facilities and own their stadiums.
“It is very unfortunate and disturbing that at this age and era, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are still depending on government facilities to host their league matches, it is even a big shame because the two clubs have reserved parcel of land provided to build their own stadium and training facilities, why can’t they proceed and be independent?,” former Kenya international Elijah Onsika said while posing a question to Flashscore.
“If you go to Tanzania, just across the borders, Azam FC, not as old as AFC or Gor Mahia, have their own stadium, Young Africans (Yanga SC) and Simba SC, are currently constructing theirs, so why can’t Kenyan teams, especially Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards learn? It is very shameful to say the least.”
On social media, Peter Kanga wrote: “Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards should have their own stadia, they are a disgrace to football in our country, Murang’a Seal is a small club but have their own stadium.”
According to Michael Wekesa, both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards should be punished for not owning their stadiums. “It's so disappointing for the so-called biggest teams in Kenya not to have their own stadiums since many decades ago. They should be punished,” while Wangira Juma said: “It is high time for Kenyan clubs to start investing in developing their own stadiums.”
Jesse Jorge took issue with those managing football in the country saying they were letting Kenyans down: “It's the year 2025 and we are talking about unavailability of match venues... What's wrong with these people in charge of football in this country...? Unless we stop bureaucracy, impunity and corruption in this sector... We shall remain the same for future generations.”
Gor Mahia have dominated the derby in recent years with Ingwe mostly playing catch-up. As per the records, the last six matches have seen Ingwe manage only one win against K’Ogalo.
Last season, it was K'Ogalo who took the bragging rights by sealing a double over their nemesis. In the first-round meeting, Gor Mahia secured a 2-0 win before sealing a 1-0 victory in the second-round meeting on their way to winning a record 21st league title.
Tusker squander chance to move top of FKF table
Meanwhile, Tusker missed out on an opportunity to displace Kenya Police FC at the top of the 18-team league table following a 1-1 draw against a stubborn Shabana side at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Wednesday, February 26th.
A win could have enabled the Brewers to move above the law enforcers with one point but it was the visiting Shabana, who scored in the 32nd minute through new signing Keith Imbuli.
However, Tusker continued to search for the leveller and it finally arrived in the 90th minute when Eric Balecho rescued a point after sneaking behind Shabana defenders and the goalkeeper before heading home a throw-in from George Kaddu.
The draw saw Tusker stay second with 40 points, one less than Police and both teams have played 22 matches. While Tusker have won 11 matches, drawn seven and lost four, Police have registered 11 wins, drawn eight and suffered three defeats.
