The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale has proposed the hosting of the famous Mashemeji Derby pitting Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards in Tanzania.

Taking to his official social media accounts on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Etale, who is an AFC Leopards fan, suggested that the derby should be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania to solve the venue challenges that have been arising on several occasions.

Fan experience

Etale proposed that Gor Mahia FC need to risk and spend some money to hire the stadium in the neighbouring country to avoid the back and forth on the Mashemeji Derby.

”Dear Gor Mahia, I come in good faith. As your Shemeji, I want to give you an idea… To avoid this back and forth on the much-anticipated Mashemeji derby, why don’t you close your eyes, spend a few coins, and talk to authorities in Tanzania to allow you to host the Mighty Ingwe at Benjamin Mkapa International Stadium?” Etale stated.

He went ahead to state that hosting the Mashemeji Derby in Tanzania will give the fans an unforgettable experience while on a road trip to Dar es Salaam.

“I am telling you, this will be a good experience. We as Ingwe would love to do a road trip to Dar and have our boys beat you there black and blue. Yours truly, Papa Etale, member, Bunyore Branch of AFC Leopards SC,” he stated.

Dear Gor Mahia, I come in good faith.
As your Shemeji, I want to give you an idea…
To avoid this back and forth on the much anticipated Mashemeji derby, why don’t you close your eyes, spent a few coins and talk to authorities in Tanzania to allow you host the Mighty Ingwe at…

— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) May 10, 2025

Mashemeji Derby postponed

Etale’s proposal comes a day after the eagerly awaited second leg of the Mashemeji derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, initially slated for Sunday, May 11, 2025, was postponed due to lack of a suitable venue.

The match was originally supposed to be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium, but after being warned against hosting the fixture at the venue by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to the ongoing renovations at the facility, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) indefinitely rescheduled the match.

This is not the first time the derby has been rescheduled this season, as the first leg also endured the same situation before it was eventually held at Nyayo Stadium.

According to FKF, the continental body had proposed that the match be moved to Ulinzi Sports Complex and be played behind closed doors to preserve the infrastructure and maintain security standards.

However, the management of Ulinzi Sports Complex declined to host the match, citing internal concerns and the risk of vandalism.