KPL postpones Mashemeji Derby indefinitely

AFC Leopards versus Gor Mahia FC, one of Kenya’s oldest football rivalries, will not be witnessed until the completion of ongoing renovations at the Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.

Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium was set to host the Mashemeji Derby on Sunday but with hosts Leopards admitting their incapacity to guarantee security, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) management released a statement postponing the tie.

“Following intensive consultations between the KPL Vice-chairman Lt. Col. Erick Oloo, AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Mule, Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier, and the FKF president Nick Mwendwa, it has been unanimously decided that owing to the home team’s confirmation on being unable to provide adequate security, no chance can be taken at hosting the match at Afraha,” part of the statement read.

“Therefore as a result, the match has been postponed until such a time when the Nyayo National Stadium and/or the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani will be available.”

The usually volatile clash has traditionally been held under tight security and hosted by either of the two stadiums currently under renovation ahead of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).