Nairobi, Kenya: In a disappointing turn of events for Kenyan football fans, the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby featuring arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has been postponed due to logistical challenges surrounding venue availability. The match was initially scheduled to take place this Saturday 29th November 2025 , only three days after the official announcement of its cancellation.
The postponement stems from the unavailability of suitable stadium facilities for what is widely considered one of the biggest fixtures in the Kenya Premier League. Both the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, two of the largest and most prominent venues in Nairobi, are occupied with prior bookings on the same day.
Kasarani is set to host a crucial CAF Confederation Cup match featuring Nairobi United against Maniema Union from the Republic of Congo, while Nyayo National Stadium is under government use for the World AIDS Day event, which further complicates the situation for the derby match.
Gor Mahia, the host team for the upcoming fixture, had formally requested the use of Nyayo Stadium for the derby but was unable to secure the venue. In response to the situation, Gor Mahia’s Secretary General, Nicanor Arum, submitted an official letter to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), detailing the challenges faced in organizing the match and asking for a postponement. In the letter, Arum stated:
“I write to formally notify your office that, as the host team for the forthcoming SportPesa League match against AFC Leopards (Derby), we have been unable to secure a suitable venue for the fixture. In light of this challenge, we kindly request that the match be postponed to a later date to be communicated by your office in due course. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause and assure you of our commitment to ensuring that the match proceeds smoothly once the new date is confirmed. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.”
This latest postponement highlights ongoing issues that both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have encountered in recent years regarding the organization of their derby matches. The two teams have often had to deal with unsuitable grounds and logistical nightmares that have prevented the games from being played at their traditional venues.
The last encounter in this storied rivalry took place at Raila Odinga Homabay Stadium, which has faced criticism for its poor playing surface, raising significant concerns regarding player safety and overall game quality. Fans and players alike are eager for a resolution to the venue issues so that the derby can be played under optimal conditions.
As of now, there is no confirmed new date for the match, but both clubs and FKF have been urged to prioritize finding a suitable venue to ensure that this celebrated fixture can proceed without further delay. For the passionate supporters of both clubs, the hope for a thrilling encounter remains, albeit on a new date yet to be announced.
