AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has proposed that the Mashemeji Derby be hosted in Uganda or Tanzania, citing the unavailability of Nyayo National Stadium and the ongoing construction at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the original venue for the match.The derby, initially scheduled for November 2024, had to be postponed due to both stadia undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was initially set for February 2025 but later rescheduled to August.##NAJAVA_MECA_8736122##Two weeks ago, plans were made to stage the derby at Nyayo National Stadium. However, over the weekend, under unclear circumstances, it was revealed that the stadium remains largely a construction site, posing significant safety risks, particularly for such a high-profile fixture.Shikanda is adamant that the derby should not face further postponement and is against hosting it at smaller venues like Dandora or Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, which he believes are inadequate for a match of this magnitude.”We may not play at Kasarani, and I can’t accept staging the fixture at Dandora or Kenyatta in Machakos, as these venues can’t handle such a big event,” Shikanda told the Daily Nation.Former Gor Mahia forward Dennis Oliech struggles to pick Mashemeji Derby favouriteHe also expressed concerns about Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, stating that the ongoing construction, especially the installation of the canopy, makes the venue unsuitable.”How can you move the canopy at Kasarani, which is currently a construction site? As of now, the game is scheduled for Sunday, but we have no venue, and I don’t know where we will play.”As a potential solution, Shikanda has suggested moving the derby to either of our neighbouring nations Uganda or Tanzania.Kenyan defender finally joins Mozambique club months transfer links”Let FKF plan for us to play in Tanzania or Uganda, where Harambee Stars previously staged their matches,” Shikanda added.Regarding the availability of Nyayo Stadium, Shikanda mentioned that it could only be used with permission from the CHAN Local Organising Committee (LOC), but he doubts this is feasible.”We can use Nyayo, but that decision rests with the CHAN Local Organising Committee, and it’s highly unlikely. As the home team, we’ll just have to wait. If there’s no suitable venue, the fixture might be postponed again, or we’ll move to Tanzania or Uganda,” Shikanda concluded.South African club slams FKF in bid to appoint Harambee Stars’ next coach
