Uncertainty continues to cloud this weekend’s Mashemeji Derby, with the match venue still unconfirmed barely five days to kickoff.

Gor Mahia administrative secretary Ronald Ngala says the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is locked in negotiations with organisers of the World Aids Day event, who booked the Nyayo National Stadium from Saturday, November 29, through Monday. FKF is pushing for a compromise that would allow the derby to be staged at Nyayo on Saturday.

“All we know is that the derby will be played this week. Our headache is the venue since both Kasarani and Nyayo are booked for other weekend assignments. The Federation is working day and night to ensure we have Nyayo Stadium for the match this Saturday,” Ngala said.

The federation remains cautiously optimistic that the match will go ahead as scheduled, despite the logistical challenges.

Kasarani Stadium, initially slated to host the derby, was ruled out after Nairobi United booked it for their CAF Confederation Cup tie against Maniema Union of the DR Congo.

Even a date shift would not help, since CAF rules require visiting teams to access the pitch for their mandatory feeler session the day before the match.

FKF is now trying to convince the World Aids Day organisers to adjust their setup schedule to allow the derby to take place before preparations for the Monday event begin.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia head into the derby nursing a bruising 4–1 defeat to league newcomers APS Bomet.

Coach Charles Akonnor rotated heavily, fielding almost his entire second-string side — a decision that appeared to backfire as Hansel Ochieng struck twice in quick succession before completing his brace in the 42nd minute.

George Amonoo had given Gor an early lead in the 5th minute, but the champions collapsed soon after.

The loss was Gor’s heaviest of the season and only their second defeat in nine matches. Despite the setback, they remain top of the FKF Premier League with 19 points.

Fans voiced their frustration from the stands, questioning Akonnor’s squad selection, especially with the derby looming. The team had conceded only two goals all season before the match; the tally now stands at six.

Akonnor may have been preserving his first-choice players for the high-stakes derby — assuming FKF manages to secure a venue in time.

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