The eagerly-awaited Mashemeji Derby has been called off after Sports Kenya announced that Nyayo Stadium will not be available for the scintillating November 24 clash.
Leopards were scheduled to host arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the first edition of this season’s local football showpiece.
However, the game will not be played despite the club’s frantic attempts to secure Nyayo Stadium hit a snag.
Leopards’ hierarchy said their pleas to have Sports Kenya open the Nyayo Stadium for Sunday’s match fell on deaf ears.
“We regret to inform you that the much anticipated FKF PL match— AFC Leopards SC vs Gor Mahia FC earlier scheduled for this Sunday, November 24, 2024 ( 4 pm) at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi has been postponed to a later date,” read a statement from the club.
“This is due to the unavailability of the match venue, which is undergoing renovations in preparation for the upcoming CHAN 2025 competition. We shall communicate the rescheduled dates in due course,” it concluded.
The club said it had received a communique from a representative of the FKF leagues and competitions department, Dennis Muchiri, informing them about the unavailability of the facility.
“We are writing about the FKF PL Match No. 79, AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia earlier scheduled to be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024, 1600Hrs at Nyayo Stadium.
Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that the match has been postponed to a later date due to the unavailability of the match venue.
This is due to ongoing renovations at the stadium in preparation for the upcoming CHAN 2025 Competition,” Muchiri wrote.
“Additionally, as the match is considered high risk, the home team has been unable to secure an appropriate alternative venue for the match. We shall communicate the rescheduled dates in due course. Thank you for taking note and apologies for the inconvenience caused.”
Ingwe said they would now shift focus to the next fixture against Shabana FC on November 27 at Gusii Stadium, Kisii.
Nyayo and Moi Stadium, Kasarani are the two facilities that have traditionally hosted the showpiece.
Both are closed for renovations at the moment.
Without giving details, the Sports Kenya Director General, Pius Metto said the stadium is not ready to host the biggest football club match in the country.
“No, Nyayo is not ready. When
Leopards make an official request, I
will explain to them why the centre
is not available,” Metto said.
