Is Mashemeji derby losing its allure?

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia host arch-rivals AFC Leopards in the much talked about "Mashemeji derby" at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday afternoon.

But while encounters of years gone by literally brought the country to a stand still and turned the venue into a cacophony of crackling energy as the green of K'Ogalo competed for air with the blue and white of Ingwe, the latter day fixtures seem like a pale shadow in the twilight of a fading moonlight.

Gone are the years when the razzmatazz around this fixture would see fans from both teams jam local shopping centres to purchase replica shirts and advance tickets for the duel. Gone are the days busloads of both sets of fans travelled from their upcountry bases to watch live from the stadium terraces their beloved team fight for victory against the bitter enemy.

The mood around this encounter – the first meeting this season between the two sides, with 30 titles in between them - is decidedly muted.

Is the derby losing its allure or is this just an apparition that will go away and the colours of the two teams forcefully paint their presence in the beautiful game in Kenya?

Nation Sport sought the views of former players, football fans and common mwananchi in Nairobi on what should certainly be “The” fixture of the season. And these is what they had to say:

Boniface Ambani: Ex-AFC Leopards striker:

“It’s just there. Many people aren’t aware there’s a big derby yet this should be the biggest game in our domestic league. I’ve played derbies in two different countries (Tanzania and India) where teams camp outside the city under a tight security a week before the match. Sadly, it’s not the case here partly because of Ingwe’s poor run and signing of below average players.”

Daniel Owino: Marketing Consultant, Gor Mahia fan:

“Both teams lack a strong media base to partner the mainstream media in hyping such a high caliber game. Gor are breathing fire after trouncing Zamalek of Egypt last weekend. (Dennis) Oliech and (Jacques) Tuyisenge will score a goal apiece to win 2-0. Poor Leopards.”

Shillah Ihaji: Beautician, AFC Leopards fan:

“Lack of enough finances in both camps has contributed to the low buzz but I am confident that Leopards can disapprove many with a 2-1 victory despite being tipped underdogs in this clash. A wounded Leopard is very dangerous.”

Reginald Asibwa: Ex-Ministry of Works and AFC Leopards defender:

“The competitiveness between the two sides has tragically dropped after Gor recorded five wins in the past six derbies. The low interest has made the Gor camp feel they’ve won before kick-off. But I can tell you the game will end in a 1-1 draw.”

Hellen Anyango: Hotelier and Gor Mahia fan:

“It’s a one-sided hype especially from Gor who are on form so their fans are awash on social media but the poor run at Leopards in the recent past has contributed to this epic game slowly losing meaning.”