Kenya’s most respected clubs will need to acquire alternative venues to host their league matches. Gor Mahia were hosting matches at the 60,000 sitter Kasarani, while AFC’s home ground was Nyayo Stadium.
On Tuesday, Sports Kenya Director General Gabriel Komora confirmed the two main venues will be closed starting February to allow works aimed at upgrading them to international standards.
“We are commencing renovations at both Nyayo and Kasarani to make them ready for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and therefore, they will not be available for use as of February,” Komora said in a statement to the media.
“Morocco put up an incredible tournament and we had a chance to learn from them during the just concluded event. We will do everything possible to match what we saw there.”
Apart from denying the two clubs’ access to use the venues, the announcement raised concerns on where the Mashemeji derby between the two giants will be played. The two rivals are slated to face off on Sunday, April 26th, in round two of the top-flight.
‘We should get out of comfort zones’
AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani has come out to openly criticise the two clubs for not owning their stadiums, urging them to come out of their comfort zones and do something in the future.
“AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia... It's high time both clubs and their fans move from their comfort zones and make it count in Kenyan football,” Ambani told Flashscore.
“The government is moving close to shutting down Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani for AFCON preparations. That leaves the two clubs without a place to call their own home.
“It’s just simple in life, when you have your own thatched house, nobody will tell you what time to wake up or sleep. You’ll do what you want without any worry.”
After being formed in 1964 as Abaluhya United Football Club and later being transformed into AFC Leopards in 1973, it has now been 62 years and counting since the club owned an established sporting facility, including a stadium, to host their home matches.
Over in Tanzania, the club founded as Mzizima Football Club in 2004 and is now known as Azam Sports Club have their own 10,000 seater stadium, the Azam Complex situated in Chamazi, Temeke, in the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, which they started using in 2010.
Ambani, who played for AFC Leopards as a striker before taking over to lead the club, added: “In early March, the two prominent stadiums related to the two clubs as their home base stadiums will close down for AFCON renovations.
“That imminent closure leaves the two top clubs born in 1964 and 1968 without a roof. It’s high time we get out of our comfort zones and come clear on what we want as the two top clubs in this country.”
Ambani added: “To make things worse, the two have not invested in their own proper training facilities, and they command a fan base that runs into millions and millions of people.
“My urgent cry to the fans of both clubs and many corporate firms around the nation, private firms, etc. it’s time to stand and be counted. Let’s offer a solution. You have a choice, my brothers and sisters. Be part of a history in the making of a club you support.”
In a previous interview, former AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda reignited talks with the government over the 2.8-acre land adjacent to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which was allocated to the club and Gor Mahia by the late President Daniel Arap Moi.
AFC Leopards are currently sitting second on the 18-team league table with 36 points, four less than record champions Gor Mahia, who are placed top.
