The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia has been postponed for the second time this season due to the unavailability of a proper host venue.
The high-stakes Premier League match will not take place after AFC Leopards’ attempts to secure approval to use Nyayo National Stadium for the crucial FKF Premier League fixture proved unsuccessful.
The Football Kenya Federation has on Thursday morning confirmed the same in a communication regarding the reasons for the postponement.
AFC Leopards’ club chairperson, Dan Shikanda, sought to arrange for Nyayo Stadium as the venue, but he was unable to obtain approval because the facility is still undergoing renovations in preparation for the upcoming Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) scheduled for August.
This postponement marks the second time the derby has been affected this season, with a previous postponement in November 2024 for the same reason.
It remains unclear when, or if, this storied match will be played this season, as both clubs, with their long and rich histories, continue to suffer from a lack of facilities that are integral to their identity.
In an interview with Nation Sport, Shikanda urged the FKF to consider arranging for the match to be played in Tanzania or Uganda, where the Harambee Stars have previously hosted their games.
