Reboot as Gor, Leopards set for Nyayo showdown

Derby rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia FC will clash at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) management has confirmed barely a day after announcing its cancellation.

The Mashemeji Derby, one of the country’s oldest football rivalries, had initially been scheduled to be held at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium before its indefinite postponement following security concerns.

The clash, pitting two of the most successful clubs in the country, has sometimes descended into volatile encounters with the slightest of triggers and thus raising doubts as to whether the Nakuru venue would have the capacity to handle it in the instance.

“Following a successful meeting between the Kenyan Premier League management and the management of the Nyayo National Stadium, Kenyan Premier League would like to confirm that the facility owners have agreed to exceptionally allow the AFC Leopards SC-Gor Mahia FC match to be played at the venue on Sunday,” KPL said in a brief statement sent to newsrooms.

Nyayo and the Moi International Sports Center (MISC), Kasarani have traditionally been the preferred host venues but ongoing renovations at the two stadiums had necessitated a rescheduling.

The two facilities have since the start of the year been undergoing major facelifts ahead of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2018).

The MISC will also be hosting the IAAF World Under-18 Championships between July 12-16 and could be available for use henceforth.