AFC Leopards risk Sh3 million loss in Mashemeji derby

What you need to know:

  • Leopards and Gor Mahia sit joint second on the league standings after six games.
  • The two teams have won four games, drawn one and lost another, amassing a similar 13 points in the process.

An estimated Sh3 million in revenue is set to be lost due to the unavailability of a spacious venue to host the Mashemeji derby pitting arch-rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia next month.

AFC Leopards, who will host the first leg tie, are one of eight Nairobi-based SportPesa Premier League clubs affected by the closure of the Nyayo and Kasarani stadia for renovations this year.
Kenyan Premier League CEO Jack Oguda confirmed on Tuesday to Nation Sport that this clash pitting two of Kenya's biggest clubs will either be staged in Nakuru or Mumias on May 7.

"We visited Nyayo stadium two weeks ago and were told the ongoing works will be done in two months’ time," Oguda explained.

Contacted, AFC Leopards treasurer Oliver Napali said the club is not comfortable with the arrangement from a financial and security aspect. He suggested the league body reschedules this tie by a few months, to a time when Nyayo or Kasarani will be available.

"We don't fear playing Gor Mahia right now, they are very beatable. But we are also not in a position to lose Sh3 million considering we will spend much more in securing the venue as it is a high risk match,” said Napali.

“We are the home team. Already, our financial status is not healthy following the withdrawal of SuperSport."

MATCH TO GO ON

Oguda however said even though the league body understands these implications, there exists no rule in the book allowing a match be called off owing to financial considerations.

Nyayo and Kasarani are both undergoing renovations in readiness for hosting both the World Under-18 Championships in July, and next year's African Nations Champions (Chan) football tournament.

Leopards and Gor Mahia sit joint second on the league standings after six games.

The two teams have won four games, drawn one and lost another, amassing a similar 13 points in the process.