Early Mashemeji Derby on the cards as Gor Mahia patron invites AFC Leopards for celebrations

Football fans in the country are set for an early dose of the nation's most storied rivalry after it was confirmed that Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will feature in a special four-team invitational tournament in Mombasa next month.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

The tournament, part of the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) 20th anniversary celebrations, was unveiled by party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, who confirmed that football will form a key highlight of the three-day festivities.

Kenya's Talanta Stadium set to become 5th arena worldwide with new engineering technology [PHOTOS]

The event, running from Friday, 10 to Sunday, 12 October, will bring together Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Bandari FC, and Shabana FC, teams selected to embody unity and national pride through sport.

“Sport will also be part of the festivities, with a four-team football tournament involving AFC Leopards SC, Bandari FC, Gor Mahia FC, and Shabana FC, aimed at symbolising unity through sport,” part of ODM’s statement noted.

Although finer details such as the competition format and prize allocations remain under wraps, the spotlight will firmly be on the possibility of an early Mashemeji Derby, a clash that has historically captivated the nation.

The prospect of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards meeting outside the FKF Premier League calendar adds extra flavour to the celebration, setting the tone for what could be a fiery campaign.

Benni McCarthy advises Michael Olunga on how to deal with fan criticism

The invitation comes barely weeks into the start of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season, which kicks off on Saturday, 20 September.

According to the 2025/26 fixtures released by the Football Kenya Federation, the first official league meeting between the two archrivals will be staged on Sunday, 30 November at Kasarani Stadium, with the return leg slated for Sunday, 26 April 2026 at Nyayo National Stadium.

Should the draw in Mombasa pit the old foes against each other, fans could witness three derbies across the season, a rare occurrence that would undoubtedly fuel anticipation and rivalry.

Beyond the derby hype, the inclusion of Bandari FC, Mombasa’s football pride, and Shabana FC, the Kisii-based crowd-pullers, further widens the tournament’s appeal.

Harambee Stars winger compares football levels in Australia and Finland

All sides enjoy passionate support and add a regional flavour that will no doubt draw crowds to the coastal city.