The millions of shillings AFC Leopards collected from sale of Mashemeji Derby tickets

IMAGE/ AFC Leopards

The millions of shillings AFC Leopards collected from sale of Mashemeji Derby tickets

Festus Chuma 09:30 - 01.04.2025

AFC Leopards set a new record in gate collections during the Mashemeji Derby, drawing one of the largest crowds ever.

Twelve-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions AFC Leopards collected a total of 7.5 million shillings from the sale of Mashemeji Derby tickets.

Leopards were held to a goalless draw by archrivals Gor Mahia in a high-octane clash played on Sunday at a packed Nyayo National Stadium.

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According to club patron Alex Muteshi, the Leopards raked in more than Sh7.3 million in gate collections, a record-setting figure that surpassed last year's Sh4.5 million haul from the same fixture.

“The turnout was very impressive, and it is a good sign that Kenyan football is on the path to revival. The large crowd created an atmosphere that motivated the players to work hard and deliver high-quality football, despite both teams missing scoring chances,” said Muteshi yesterday as per Nation.

The ticket prices were set at Sh5,000 for VVIPs, Sh1,000 for VIPs, and Sh300 for regular seating.

The stadium began filling hours before kickoff, and by 4pm, over 20,000 fans had taken their places inside the stadium.

The match was attended by prominent political figures including Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.

The turnout exceeded even the recent World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Gabon.

Long queues snaked around the stadium perimeter as some supporters without tickets made frantic last-minute attempts to gain entry.

Security challenges arose when sections of the crowd overwhelmed stewards, forcing their way in through unsecured openings.

Inside the stadium, a natural division saw Leopards fans draped in blue and white occupying one half of the Centre Stand, while the green and black sea of Gor Mahia supporters filled the other.

Music, chants, and traditional dances carried the mood, with isolated anti-government slogans echoing through the stands.

Post-match, Nairobi West entertainment spots like Pit Stop, Kuche Kuche, and Tottis were overflowing with fans dissecting the match long into the night.

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