Gor Mahia are exploring the possibility of relocating the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against archrivals AFC Leopards to the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.Mozzart Sport has also learned that the date of the derby is set to be rescheduled from Sunday, 1 to Monday, 2nd June.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe match, originally set for early May, was postponed due to a lack of a suitable venue. CAF had advised the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) against using the Kasarani Stadium, which is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for the upcoming CHAN tournament that Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939409##Gor Mahia opposed staging the derby at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, which has a limited capacity of 8,000 fans. CAF regulations would have further reduced this to 75% of the full capacity, a figure the club deemed too small for a fixture of such magnitude. Consequently, Gor requested a two-week window to secure an alternative venue.Initially, the club had targeted Nyayo National Stadium, hoping it would be available after the Kip Keino Classic slated for next Saturday. However, Nyayo is also undergoing renovations and has been ruled unfit to host the athletics event, which has since been moved to Ulinzi Sports Complex. This has cast doubts on Nyayo’s availability for the derby.Government issue update on Talanta City Stadium construction [PHOTOS]Mozzart Sport understands that Gor Mahia have now formally written to the FKF requesting approval to host the match at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay. Although the facility is still under construction, it is scheduled to host the national Madaraka Day celebrations. Gor believes the derby would be a fitting way to reopen the upgraded stadium.“We have assessed our options, and Homa Bay seems the most suitable. The stands have been expanded, and the derby would be the perfect game to reopen the venue. We’ve written to FKF about it and are awaiting their feedback. With Kasarani and Nyayo likely unavailable, the only alternative is Ulinzi, which we feel is too small to host a match of this scale,” a club source told Mozzart Sport.Rising Stars vice-captain lists 4 lessons learnt from U20 AFCONThe decision now lies with FKF, who will assess whether the stadium is safe and ready to host such a high-profile clash, especially in light of the crowd trouble that marred the recent match between Gor Mahia and Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium.Homa Bay, located in the heart of the Luo Nyanza region, is a Gor Mahia stronghold, and the club enjoys massive support in the area.Over 200 golfers to contest eighth leg of KCB East Africa TourWhile the Mashemeji Derby always carries bragging rights, this edition has added significance. A loss for Gor Mahia would see Kenya Police FC crowned FKF Premier League champions, making it a must-win encounter for the record league champions.The first leg of the derby, played in March at Nyayo Stadium, ended in a goalless draw in front of a capacity crowd.Heartwarming reason why Sofapaka’s Jack Ong’aya dedicated his hat-trick match ball to his mum
