Gor Mahia have officially confirmed the date and venue for the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby against arch-rivals AFC Leopards, marking a historic first for the iconic fixture.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe record FKF Premier League champions announced that the 97th edition of the derby will be held at the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Monday, 2nd June, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 PM.Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy reveals biggest problem ailing Manchester UnitedOriginally slated for Sunday, 11 May, the fixture was postponed due to the unavailability of a suitable venue capable of hosting high-risk matches.Both Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi’s primary large-capacity venues, are currently undergoing renovations ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament scheduled for August.##NAJAVA_MECA_8946418##The confirmation not only brings clarity to one of the hotly anticipated fixtures on the Kenyan football calendar but also introduces a significant first: this will be the first league Mashemeji Derby clash to be staged outside Nairobi in recent times, where the clash has historically been hosted.Gor Mahia’s choice of Raila Odinga Stadium comes after the club rejected Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) proposal to host the match at Ulinzi Sports Complex, citing concerns over its limited seating capacity and infrastructure.Mozzart Bet Cup win will ‘bring back motivation’- Gor Mahia midfielderIn an official statement, the club noted, “Our #MashemejiDerby match against AFC Leopards is to be played on 2nd June 2025, in Homa Bay from 3 PM.” Speaking during the funeral service of Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) President Paul Otula in Homa Bay County, AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda also confirmed the venue of the fixture.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947573##“It is unfortunate that we will not have Paul on 2 June when AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia will be playing the first Mashemeji Derby outside Nairobi. We will be at Raila Odinga Stadium, and I can assure you that we will beat Gor Mahia, and I really wish Paul were there,” he said.Sports CS hints at adding recently renovated stadium to 2027 AFCON line upShikanda, who doubles up as the FKF Nairobi County National Executive Committee (NEC) member, also took a swipe at Kenya Police FC, doubting if they will have fans in the stadium.“Today, it is unfortunate that Kenya Police will win the FKFPL, and I can assure you that come next season, when they will be playing their continental match, we might hardly have 100 spectators.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947554##We cannot then allow AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia to operate on shoestring budgets at the expense of politics,” concluded Shikanda.The change of date, originally communicated as Sunday, 1 June, was necessitated by Madaraka Day celebrations, which will be held at the same venue.##NAJAVA_MECA_8945071##The second-leg derby presents a pivotal opportunity for Gor Mahia as they continue to hunt down league leaders Kenya Police FC. A win would cut the deficit to just four points, intensifying an already thrilling title race.Their first-leg encounter on Sunday, 30 March at Nyayo Stadium ended in a goalless draw, reflecting the fierce competitiveness that has long defined this rivalry.Rising Stars AFCON U-20 top scorer attracts global interestHistorically, Gor Mahia have claimed 33 derby victories compared to AFC Leopards’ 28, with 35 matches ending in stalemates.In their last ten meetings, Gor Mahia have emerged victorious six times, with three draws registered and a single win for Leopards.
