The highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby has finally secured a new date after days of uncertainty that left fans, clubs, and league officials in suspense. The clash between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will now take place on Sunday, 7th December at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, bringing an end to the logistical impasse that threatened to derail the 98th edition of the iconic rivalry.
The fixture had originally been scheduled for late November, but complications emerged when both Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani were declared unavailable. With no suitable venue at hand, the match was abruptly thrown into limbo, igniting widespread concern that the derby could be pushed to a midweek slot or postponed indefinitely.
Intense crisis meetings involving the clubs and the Football Kenya Federation helped unlock the stalemate. The confirmation of December 7 provides both clarity and stability to the league’s congested calendar. One of the major factors influencing the new date was the series of World AIDS Day events, which had temporarily rendered Kasarani inaccessible.
Securing the first Sunday of December brings relief to the FKF Competitions Committee, which was confronted with a mounting scheduling dilemma. A further delay would have risked fixture congestion during a period already complicated by continental assignments and the approaching festive season break.
With the derby now officially back on the calendar, both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards can refocus on the football itself. Each side enters the encounter desperate to stamp its authority—Gor Mahia aiming to reinforce their supremacy and AFC Leopards determined to shift the momentum in their favour.
The additional week of preparation may prove decisive, giving both technical benches the opportunity to refine tactical plans and ensure their squads are mentally and physically ready. For fans, the new date restores excitement and anticipation for a fixture that remains unmatched in passion, history, and spectacle within Kenyan football.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster showdown at Kasarani, as the two bitter rivals prepare to battle for bragging rights in one of the most fiercely contested derbies in East Africa.
