AFC Leopards have raised concerns about playing Shabana FC in Machakos, citing several reasons for their dissatisfaction ahead of their FKF Premier League clash on Sunday.
Leopards, who will be the home team, have scheduled the match at the 10,000-seater Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, as it was considered the best available venue for the encounter. However, they are unhappy with the arrangement, arguing that the stadium’s capacity is insufficient to accommodate the large number of fans expected to attend. This, they believe, will result in lost revenue and potential safety risks given the huge following of both teams.
The club’s secretary general, Gilbert Andugu, questioned the feasibility of hosting Shabana at the selected venue. “We are hosting Shabana in Machakos, but their fans alone will fill the stadium, so where will our supporters sit?” he remarked. The official expressed concern that limiting ticket sales due to space constraints would lead to significant revenue losses for the club. Additionally, he highlighted the security concerns surrounding such a high-profile fixture, given the passionate support both clubs enjoy.
Leopards argue that a larger venue, such as Nyayo Stadium, would have been a more appropriate choice. “They should have given us Nyayo Stadium because we want to avoid things like stampedes and also ensure we sell as many tickets as possible,” Andugu added.
Both AFC Leopards and Shabana FC have substantial fan bases, making their matches high-interest fixtures. Alongside Gor Mahia, the two clubs are among the most supported in the country. Shabana’s resurgence this season has only amplified interest, with their fan base expanding as the team delivers impressive performances on the pitch.
Shabana supporters are expected to turn up in large numbers in Machakos on Sunday, particularly given their team’s recent strong form. They have recorded back-to-back dominant victories, having thrashed Kakamega Homeboyz 4-1 in the league before routing lower league side Plantech 5-1 in the FKF Cup Round of 32.
With such momentum, Shabana fans are likely to create a vibrant atmosphere at the Kenyatta Stadium, potentially making it feel like a home game for their team despite AFC Leopards being the designated hosts. This scenario further fuels Leopards’ concerns about ticketing, revenue, and security.
As the highly anticipated clash approaches, discussions around venue suitability and matchday logistics continue. Both teams will be aiming for a strong performance on the pitch, but off-field concerns remain for Leopards, who feel disadvantaged by the venue choice.
