FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga has expressed confusion over the decision to postpone the eagerly awaited Mashemeji Derby for a second time. The match between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, initially scheduled for March 2, 2025, was called off on February 27. The postponement came despite Nyayo Stadium receiving approval to host the game.
The ongoing renovations at Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, were cited as the reason for the delay. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) made the announcement, assuring fans that efforts were underway to reschedule the fixture under appropriate conditions.
Mariga, however, found the postponement perplexing, noting that the only remaining work at Nyayo Stadium is the installation of floodlights, with two of the four floodlights already completed. “I do not understand why it was postponed. We have to play it very fast because when you delay these derbies, it will not make sense,” Mariga told Pulse Sports. He emphasized the need to play the derby soon to avoid disrupting the league structure, adding that both teams need to play by May 31, the official end of the league.
Mariga further clarified that the match doesn’t necessarily have to be played at Kasarani or Nyayo Stadiums, but a solution must be found before the end of the season. “We have been given the go-ahead to use Kasarani and Nyayo, but I have no clue or idea why the game had to be postponed,” he said. “It meant so much to me,” he added, underlining the derby’s importance for the fans and the league.
The Nyayo Stadium is set to host the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Harambee Stars and Gabon, which will be new coach Benni McCarthy’s first home game in charge. This match further highlights the importance of having the stadium ready for international fixtures, which is part of the reason why the renovations have been expedited.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed provided some reassurance, stating, “We know the contractors are working day and night to get Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia up to scratch.” He acknowledged that while there is still work to be done, such as the installation of floodlights, the federation is actively working with the leagues and competitions committee to resolve the issues around the postponed matches. “We are working with the leagues and competitions committee to solve the issues regarding pending games within the next month,” he said.
As for the Mashemeji Derby, the FKF is committed to ensuring that it will be rescheduled and played under the best conditions possible. The federation is expected to announce a new date for the match soon, with efforts continuing to resolve the scheduling challenges and meet the necessary requirements for the fixture.
