News Focus
- FKF Premier League leaders Gor Mahia face Mara Sugar in a potentially title-deciding fixture this Sunday
- Awendo Green Stadium has been deemed unsafe for the high-profile encounter by Football Kenya Federation officials
- Mara Sugar must now secure an alternative venue capable of hosting a large crowd
- Victory for the 21-time champions could seal the league title with one match remaining
- The hosts aim to secure a top-10 finish in their improved debut top-flight campaign
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has blocked Mara Sugar from hosting Gor Mahia at Awendo Green Stadium this weekend. Officials have raised serious safety alarms about the venue’s ability to handle the massive crowd expected for this crucial fixture.
The sugar millers must now find a new ground for Sunday’s penultimate match of the season. The federation issued a direct order to the home side after inspecting the facilities and determining they could not guarantee spectator security.
Gor Mahia, who have won the league 21 times, confirmed the development through an official club statement. The champions stated that the ruling body cited the stadium’s limited capacity as a major risk factor.
This marks the latest twist in the venue saga. Earlier plans had suggested the clash would take place at Raila Odinga International Stadium in Homa Bay County. However, Mara Sugar later switched the location to their home ground in Awendo, prompting immediate objections regarding safety standards.
Venue controversies have become common for matches involving Gor Mahia and other big clubs with huge fan bases. Last weekend, the fixture between Murang’a Seal and Gor Mahia shifted from Murang’a to Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Similarly, Police FC and Ulinzi Stars have previously been forced to move home games against the heavyweights to larger neutral grounds despite possessing their own stadiums.
The stakes could not be higher for the visitors. Gor Mahia sit top of the table with 68 points, four clear of rivals AFC Leopards. A win on Sunday would crown them champions with one game to spare. Meanwhile, Mara Sugar hope to upset the title race and cap an impressive first season in the top flight with a place in the top 10.