By Gilbert Wandera

The top of the bill Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Top 8 clash pitting archrivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia will finally be played next month.

Leopards have agreed to honour the fixture after saying they would boycott the match following their nearly abandoned league fixture two months ago.

It is this stand together with the banning of Gor Mahia from playing their matches at Nyayo National Stadium that has delayed the resumption of the tournament. AFC Leopards chairman Alex ole Magelo confirmed on Monday they are ready to face their archrivals at a date set by the KPL.

“There was a lot of tension after the match was nearly abandoned and we felt as a club that it was not appropriate to play Gor too soon. But this has since cooled down and we are ready to honour the fixture,” said Magelo.

He, however, insisted that match organisers must ensure there is adequate security to ensure that fans are safe and protected.

“It is our responsibility to keep the players and fans safe and match organisers must play their role to ensure this happens,” said Magelo.

Gor Mahia Secretary General George Bwana said they hope the Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) will allow them back into their facilities as they have taken the required measures.

“We have given them (SSMB) countless assurances about safety organisation in our matches and now it is upto the board to make the final decision,” said Bwana.

“It is the same report we gave to Supersport which allowed them to lift a suspension on covering our matches live. On our part, we have done everything possible to assure the organisers of match security,” Bwana added.

Gor were banned from playing in any of the stadia owned by SSMB after the March 18 incident but were given a right to appeal by showing what measures they will undertake to avoid a repeat.

Bwana, at the same time, insisted that the top eight match against Leopards can only be played at either Nyayo or Kasarani stadia.

“The two teams command a lot of following and currently and there is no sports facility which can host their matches. We cannot agree to play anywhere else because there is no security,” said Bwana.

KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda said they will meet tomorrow to fix the date of the match and also said the tournament which resumes next month.

The tournament, which has a cash prize of Sh1million for the winner, should have concluded by May.