With just days to go until the highly anticipated Mashemeji derby, football fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between two of Kenya’s biggest clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. The match is set to take place on Sunday, March 30, at the Nyayo National Stadium, marking the culmination of months of waiting after multiple postponements.
Initially scheduled for November 24 last year, the derby was later pushed to March 2 before further delays due to the unavailability of a suitable venue. Now that the date has been confirmed, excitement is building as supporters prepare to flood the stadium to cheer on their respective teams.
Despite the excitement surrounding the match, past editions of the derby have often been marred by crowd trouble. The fierce rivalry between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards has, on several occasions, led to instances of hooliganism, raising concerns about security at the upcoming clash. Given the intensity of the encounter and the emotions that run high, officials are keen to ensure that such incidents do not occur this time around.
As Kenya prepares to host the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), the chairman of the Local Organising Committee has issued a stern warning to fans regarding their conduct during the derby. He emphasized that any acts of violence or damage to the stadium will not be tolerated, warning that Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards risk being barred from playing in any of the country’s stadia if their supporters engage in destructive behavior.
With only four months left until CHAN, maintaining the quality of the Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums is a top priority. Authorities are keen to avoid excessive wear and tear, which could jeopardize Kenya’s preparations for hosting the continental tournament.
The chairman made it clear that the responsibility falls on both the clubs and their fans to ensure that the facilities remain in good condition. He noted that any form of vandalism, such as the destruction of stadium seats or the throwing of objects onto the pitch, would result in serious consequences.
Nyayo National Stadium, which was recently renovated, has already been in use for key matches. It was reopened for the World Cup qualifier between Kenya U17 and Uganda U17, where the home team secured a 3-0 victory. The venue also hosted the Harambee Stars’ recent fixture against Gabon, in which Kenya suffered a 2-1 defeat.
With these recent matches setting the stage for the derby, all eyes will now be on the fans to see if they can maintain order and ensure that the match proceeds without incident. Authorities are expected to implement strict security measures, and fans have been urged to display sportsmanship and respect, regardless of the outcome of the game.
As the football community gears up for this major clash, the message is clear supporters must celebrate responsibly to safeguard the integrity of the game and the future of Kenyan football.
