Shabana vs Gor Mahia clash in jeopardy amid Gusii Stadium conundrum

The anticipated FKF Premier League showdown between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia has sparked widespread debate among Kenyan football fans.

This follows mounting calls for the clash to be elevated to high-priority status and played at a larger venue like Nyayo National Stadium or Kasarani.

These appeals follow Shabana’s remarkable ascent in Kenya’s top-tier football since earning promotion.

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The Kisii-based club has quickly become a formidable force, not just on the pitch, but in the stands, too.

Known for their passionate and sizable fanbase, Shabana’s following is now being compared to that of local giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

The three clubs, deeply rooted in community support, are considered the most followed in the FKF Premier League.

This growing popularity has fueled proposals to have fixtures between them categorized as high-stakes matches, similar to the iconic Mashemeji Derby, which pits Gor Mahia against AFC Leopards and is traditionally staged at venues like Nyayo or Kasarani due to its large turnout and intense rivalry.

"Shabana has a huge fanbase. Their games against Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards should be classified as high priority and played at a bigger and safer stadium like Nyayo and Kasarani. And a chance to collect 7 million, twice," posted one user on X, highlighting both the security concerns and the financial potential of such high-profile fixtures.

However, the proposal is not without controversy.

While moving the match to a larger stadium might promise increased revenue and better crowd management, it also raises a strategic dilemma for Shabana.

The club has transformed Gusii Stadium into a fortress, where their performances have been dominant and financially rewarding.

In their latest FKFPL outing, Shabana defeated Bandari FC 3-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at Gusii, collecting an impressive KES 1,817,000 in gate revenue.

The intimate and intimidating atmosphere at Gusii has been credited with giving the Glamour Boys a crucial edge.

"And they lose home ground advantage? They need Gusii to intimidate teams," one fan countered in response to relocation calls.

As things stand, the second leg of the Shabana vs Gor Mahia fixture is set to be palyed at Gusii Stadium.

However, growing momentum behind the campaign to reclassify the clash could still prompt a venue change.