AFC Leopards boss Dan Shikanda on the ‘nightmare' it took seeking Nyayo & Kasarani for postponed Mashemeji Derby

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has voiced his frustration over the repeated postponement of the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby due to stadium unavailability. 

For the second time this season, the fixture between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia was  pushed back, with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) citing a lack of a suitable venue for the match initially scheduled for Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The unavailability stems from ongoing renovations at the country's two main stadiums, Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in preparation for hosting the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

This issue first arose in November 2024 when the fixture was initially scheduled but could not proceed due to similar venue challenges.

Speaking to TV47, Shikanda did not hide his disappointment, calling the situation a long-standing issue in Kenyan football.

“For me, it has been very disturbing and disappointing. In the six years I have been chairman, getting pitches has been a nightmare,” he lamented.

Shikanda revealed that after the initial postponement in November, they were assured that February would be the earliest window for the fixture, but it has now stretched into March with no clear resolution. 

He emphasised that AFC Leopards, as the home team, could not host the match in Machakos due to security concerns.

“We are at home, so we cannot play in Machakos because people would kill each other. The infrastructure of Machakos cannot contain that huge number of fans,” he added.

The AFC Leopards chairman further explained that the club had formally requested to use either Nyayo or Kasarani. While the government granted them Kasarani, the club preferred Nyayo due to its accessibility and capacity to accommodate their fan base.

“They granted us Kasarani, but we preferred Nyayo because we wanted to bring as many fans as possible to show we would be capable of filling stadia during the Cup of Nations,” he explained.

However, Nyayo Stadium was deemed unsuitable due to incomplete floodlight installations, while Kasarani was unavailable as equipment for canopy installation had just arrived, making it impossible to admit fans safely.

Gor Mahia, on the other hand, had earlier confirmed that should Nyayo and Kasarani remain unavailable, they would consider hosting the second leg of the derby at Siaya Stadium or Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo.

“We will take the match either to Kisumu or Siaya if Nyayo and Kasarani will not be ready. Plans to have the team play at Siaya during the commissioning of the facility are at an advanced stage,” Gor Mahia vice chairman Francis Wasuna revealed.

With both teams eager to battle it out for three points, pride, and bragging rights, the delay only heightens anticipation for what promises to be an electric fixture once a venue is finally secured.