The ongoing confusion surrounding the Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards once again highlights the deep-rooted issues stemming from decades of mismanagement at the two Kenyan football giants. This time, the uncertainty revolves around the venue for the match, which was initially slated to take place at Kasarani Stadium but is now in doubt due to a directive from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding its ongoing renovations for the 2024 African Nations Championships.
Despite Gor Mahia initially announcing Kasarani as the venue, with tickets already on sale, it has now become clear that this iconic fixture may once again be postponed. The reports indicate that CAF has issued a warning against using the stadium due to its ongoing construction work, throwing the planned derby into chaos. In the wake of this, Gor Mahia has reportedly rejected a proposal to move the match to the Ulinzi Complex, a smaller venue, citing the potential loss of revenue that such a move would bring. This leaves the match in limbo, raising questions about the preparation, coordination, and management of what should be one of Kenya’s most eagerly anticipated football events.
This isn’t the first time that the Mashemeji Derby has faced venue-related complications. Earlier in the season, the match was postponed twice due to similar issues, with AFC Leopards unable to secure a suitable ground for the first leg in November 2024. Even in March 2025, the same problem arose when Nyayo Stadium, traditionally used for such high-profile fixtures, was unavailable. While a temporary solution allowed the derby to proceed at Nyayo, it has now fallen on Gor Mahia to deal with the repercussions of their inability to secure an appropriate venue.
These repeated disruptions are not just inconveniences for fans and players but also reflect a broader issue that has plagued both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards for decades. Despite their storied histories—Gor Mahia has been in existence for 61 years, and AFC Leopards for 57—the two clubs still lack the basic infrastructure needed to support professional football at the highest level. Both teams have no training ground of their own, relying on other venues for practice and matchday facilities. This has been a significant hindrance to their development and growth, limiting their ability to generate consistent revenue and provide players with the resources they need to perform at their best.
While other top clubs in Africa and beyond have invested in their own training centers, stadiums, and other facilities, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards continue to operate with minimal infrastructure. Promises of new stadiums and clubhouses have been made over the years, but these plans have yet to materialize. As a result, both clubs remain at the mercy of the availability of public facilities, and when those venues become unavailable, they are left scrambling for alternatives.
This ongoing saga of venue-related issues should serve as a wake-up call for both clubs to reassess their priorities and take steps to secure their future. The Mashemeji Derby confusion is not merely about a single postponed match; it is a symptom of a larger problem that has plagued both clubs for decades. The lack of foresight and long-term planning has hindered their ability to grow and prosper, and if they continue down this path, they may find themselves struggling to compete at the highest level for many more years to come.
Ultimately, both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards must take responsibility for their failures in managing their clubs and start investing in the infrastructure and facilities needed to build a sustainable future. Without such investments, they will continue to find themselves caught in a cycle of crisis and confusion, with their potential constantly being undermined by a lack of foresight and proper planning.
