AFC Leopards fans rally behind their team during a friendly match to commemorate the club's 60 years anniversary at Nyayo National Stadium on March 24, 2024.
AFC Leopards are putting up an elaborate security plan that will also involve their fans in the highly anticipated Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) first leg match pitting them against arch-rivals Gor Mahia at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on Sunday.
In addition to hiring 150 policemen including on horseback on the day, private security guards and club stewards, Leopards management has issued instructions to their more than 80 supporters branches to identify and contain trouble makers during the game who will be ejected from the stadium.
The entire stadium will also be under CCTV surveillance from 94 cameras.
“As hosts, we have directed our fans to be very vigilant and deal with any behaviour that would cause a security breach. It’s our responsibility to ensure our fans observe decorum and I want to urge them to deal with anybody who will try to cause trouble in collaboration with the security in the stadium, " said AFC Secretary General Gilbert Andugu yesterday.
“It is paramount to have a peaceful clash and that anybody trying to taint our name will not be spared”, added Andugu who also asked Gor Mahia fans to cheer their team peacefully without causing chaos.
“I urge Gor Mahia fans to echo the same by dealing with anyone who may try to misbehave in the stadium, because should we allow any form of chaos and property destruction, the fine won’t be small,” he said.
The 2024 Chan and 2027 Afcon Local Organising Committee chairman, Nicholas Musonye, on Tuesday warned Leopards and Gor Mahia of dire consequences should their fans damage any property or throw stones during the twice postponed ‘‘Mashemeji’’ derby due to lack of suitable venues to host the fixture considered a security high risk game.
Nyayo and MISC, Kasarani have been undergoing renovations in readiness for the delayed Chan in August. While assuring fans of their safety, Andugu called upon them to come out in large numbers to cheer Ingwe to victory.
Andugu emphasised that strict crowd control measures and security protocols will be in place, warning that entry will only be allowed upon presentation of a valid ticket.
“Come with your families, and you will be able to enjoy the match,” he said.
He revealed that tickets will be sold across three categories with VVIP going for 5,000 (80 slots available), VIP Sh1,000 (1,800 tickets) and Sh300 for terraces (18,000 tickets). He said parking for VIPs will be available at Sh300.
He urged fans to purchase tickets early to avoid last-minute rushes and guarantee entry to watch the big match expected to attract 20,000 fans.
Tickets are available from today online on tikiti.co.ke and Katululu *519*55#. Fans are advised to buy their tickets between Wednesday and Saturday as no ticket will be on match day.
“With the league title wide open, the match could be explosive as both teams go for maximum points in their quest for the title and bragging rights.
Leopards are sitting fifth on the log standings with 36 points, nine behind leaders Kenya Police and six behind third-placed Gor Mahia.
jashihundu@.ke.nationmedia.com
