Mashemeji derby frenzy takes over Nairobi as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans paint city in rivalry colours

© AFC Leopards

FKFPL Mashemeji derby frenzy takes over Nairobi as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans paint city in rivalry colours

Festus Chuma 11:57 - 07.10.2023

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards fans transform Nairobi into a colourful spectacle, anticipating the Mashemeji Derby clash with spirited celebrations.

AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia fans, draped in their respective team colours, turned the streets of Nairobi into a vibrant spectacle as they converged at Tom Mboya Statue and Kencom stage.

The energy was infectious, and the air buzzed with excitement as the arch-rivals prepared for the much-anticipated Mashemeji Derby.

As drums echoed through the city, Gor Mahia enthusiasts danced to traditional tunes at the Tom Mboya Statue, while AFC Leopards supporters drummed to the rhythm of Isukuti at Kencom Stage. The proximity of the two gathering spots, just metres apart, highlighted a unique coexistence with no signs of the rivalry spilling over.

In a lively atmosphere, both sets of fans showcased their passion, with some seizing the opportunity to sell team merchandise to those who arrived in the city unprepared for the spirited clash. The spectacle attracted onlookers who found themselves surrounded by the sea of colours, enjoying the infectious enthusiasm that typically precedes such footballing showdowns.

The journey from the city centre to the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, where the match would unfold, is approximately 12 kilometres. Fans planned to disperse from the city after lunch, with some opting for buses while others embraced the walk, creating a unified march of support for their beloved teams.

"We are going to beat our Mashemeji today, and my favourite player, Benson Omala, will score. We will dominate the match," declared George Owino, a passionate Gor Mahia fan told Pulse Sports.

A dedicated AFC Leopards supporter, Bonventure Wafula, confidently asserted in an interview with Pulse Sports, "Gor Mahia are like our wives; we will leave Kasarani with a win. We beat them 2-1 before, and we are going to beat them again. They have big names in their team; we are the underdogs, and I know they will underrate us. That's where they will receive the beating."

The pre-game festivities were a testament to the unyielding spirit of Kenyan football enthusiasts, showcasing their unwavering loyalty to their respective teams.

For those unable to attend the match, Azam TV promised to bring the action to living rooms across the nation, with the kick-off scheduled for 4PM.

AFC Leopards took charge of ticket sales online, with ticket marshals stationed at Jeevanjee Gardens and Kenya National Archives in Nairobi CBD, assisting fans with ticket-related concerns.

As kick-off approached, the challenge of parking loomed large, a testament to the overwhelming support as fans flocked to the stadium in unison.

The city, for a brief moment, transformed into a sea of passion, echoing with the cheers and chants of fans ready to witness a clash that extended beyond the football pitch.