AFC Leopards head coach Fred Ambani has asked rivals Gor Mahia to “look at the security of fans” ahead of the latest installment of the Mashemeji Derby on Monday, 2 June.Ambani, speaking to the press on Wednesday, 28 May, labelled the match day venue – Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay – a “hostile place”, saying the approach from fans around that region should necessitate more protective measures in place from K’Ogalo.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsMonday will be the first time since 1 May 2018, when Kenya’s fiercest game will be held outside Nairobi.The development, confirmed last week, was forced upon both clubs, especially hosts Gor Mahia, due to the unavailability of both Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, which are still undergoing renovations in readiness for the anticipated 2024 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN).Gor Mahia announce ticket prices and refund ahead of Mashemeji DerbyAnswering a question on the current match-day venue, Ambani said: “It’s not the first time the derby is being played outside Nairobi, it’s happened before, but it’s been a while.As it is, fans have been used to it being played in Nairobi, but this time, the match is going to a place that AFC Leopards fans feel is a hostile place. That’s something we first must agree on, because they (Gor) are taking their team to their backyard.”Two reasons why Gor Mahia defender is confident of Mashemeji Derby victoryComparing the fan behavior in Nairobi and Homabay, Ambani stated: “They are taking the team to fans that are not used to witnessing derbies. Here in Nairobi, fans treat each other as brothers and sisters after the game, but the fans there (Homabay) may not know the rules, don’t know the derby is about friendship, and think it’s about enmity. That’s something we are asking Gor to look at: the security of the fans.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8952904##The statements come at a time when Francis Imbenzi, an Executive Member in charge of AFC Leopards’ branches, asked K’Ogalo fans to “embrace peace before, during and after the match.”In an interview with Daily Nation, Imbenzi also asked for Ingwe fans – expected to come from over 80 club branches – to be “assured of enough space” at the 12000-seater facility.
