Nicholas Musonye issues stern warning to Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards fans ahead of Mashemeji derby

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Nicholas Musonye issues stern warning to Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards fans ahead of Mashemeji derby

Abigael Wafula 09:30 - 26.03.2025

CHAN Local Organising Committee chair Nicholas Musonye has sent a warning to fans ahead of the Mashemeji derby scheduled for Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The highly awaited Mashemeji derby comes up this weekend, Sunday, March 30 and fans cannot wait to see the two topflight clubs in the Kenyan Premier League, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards clash against each other.

The Mashemeji derby had been postponed twice, from November 24 last year to March 2, before being pushed further due to the unavailability of a suitable venue.

Now that the dates have been confirmed, fans will flood the Nyayo National Stadium to cheer on their favourite teams.

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However, past derbies have often been marred by violence, and given the ruthless nature of Kenyan fans, there is no guarantee this edition will be any different. In any match, there must be a winner and a loser—unless it ends in a draw, which remains unlikely.

As Kenya prepares to host the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee Nicholas Musonye has warned fans against engaging in rowdy behaviour. He added that in case of any damages, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will not be allowed to play in any of the stadia.

“We have only four months to CHAN so if we overplay Nyayo and Kasarani, the stadium will not be in good condition for CHAN,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“But I have said and I know the president was just polite, if we are going to play a match here, and a seat is destroyed, or there are stones being thrown around, those two teams will not be allowed to play here, I hope we understand what I’m saying.”

The Nyayo National Stadium was under renovation and was reopened for the World Cup qualifier between Kenya U17 and Uganda U17 where the hosts won 3-0.

On Sunday, the stadium also hosted the match between Harambee Stars and Gabon, where Kenya lost 2-1.