Mashemeji derby in doubt as Gor and AFC demand dues

Collins Shichenje (L) of AFC Leopards SC fihght for ball with Bonface Omondi of Gor Mahia FC during their Kenyan Premier League match dubbed Mashemeji Derby at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on March 08, 2020. Photo[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The 91st Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards set for today at Nyayo Stadium remains in doubt after the two clubs issued boycott threats over unpaid money.

This is after the chairmen of the two clubs wrote a joint letter to the Football Kenya Federation demanding their FKF Cup winning grants which are yet to be released to them.

In a letter signed by Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier and his Leopards counterpart Dan Shikanda, they demanded Sh3 million payment for winning and finishing runners up respectively in the FKF Cup.

“Whereas the sponsorship money has been paid to you by Betway Cup Sponsors, you have neglected, and refused/ failed to give the winning club and the runners up their dues and rightful payment of Sh2 million (for Gor Mahia) and Sh1million (for AFC Leopards) respectively,” said a joint letter signed by Rachier and Shikanda dated July 30.

“This is to inform you that unless the outstanding dues are paid to the two clubs by 4pm July 30, we shall not honour the league match slated for Saturday,” the letter read in part.

With both teams out of the title race, the two arch rivals and most decorated clubs with a huge fan base in the country are expected to battle this afternoon.

Both teams have posted mixed results in their last few matches but Leopards are third in the standings on 44 points while Gor lie eighth with 40 points.

K’Ogalo and Ingwe head into the derby on the back of poor results.

Ingwe lost 3-2 to Western Stima, before a late dramatic 2-2 draw against Nzoia Sugar last weekend while Gor’s last win in the league was against Sofapaka on June 20. 

Despite that, Gor has had an upper hand in the derby after emerging top in all their last 11 meetings since 2016 except a 1-1 draw in August 2017.

In their last meeting, K’Ogalo edged out Leopards in penalties to win the FKF Cup on July 4 and earning the ticket to represent Kenya at the Caf Confederation Cup next season.

Meanwhile, Tusker and KCB lost their respective matches yesterday as the race to the premier league title remains wide open.

KCB lost 2-0 to Posta Rangers at Thika Stadium as Tusker narrowly lost 1-0 to Nairobi City Stars at Ruaraka Grounds.

Despite the loses, Tusker and KCB remain as the top two teams in the standings with the brewers leading with 55 points followed by the bankers on 54.

Bidco United beat Western Stima 1-0.