Champions Gor Mahia will play visiting Bandari in a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium today.
Gor and earlier indicated that the match will be played under floodlights from 7pm but moved the fixture to 4.15pm after failing to get approval from Sports Kenya, who are the managers of the facility.
Henvest Malonga (right) of Kenya Police FC vies for an aerial ball with Andrew Juma of Bandari FC during the FKF Mozzart Bet Cup semi-finals match at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on May 16, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Football fans will also be looking forward to the encounter between AFC Leopards and Shabana at Nyayo tomorrow.
The two teams enjoy a huge following in the country, and Nyayo is expected to be a full house.
The encounter between debutants 3K and Murang’a Seal at Moi Stadium in Embu tomorrow could stir up local interest, with both teams based in the Central region. Who will claim bragging rights?
Gor played their first match under the Nyayo floodlights this season on October 13 against Murang’a Seal.
Originally scheduled to start at 4:15 pm, fans indicated they preferred a night game in a poll conducted by the club management.
According to a statement released by Gor, 7,767 fans voted for the match to be played under floodlights, while 998 opposed it. Yesterday, Gor Chairman Ambrose Rachier said the reason why the club preferred to play some matches at night was to accommodate the many fans who cannot make it to the stadium during the day due to other commitments.
He explained that before a final decision is made to stage a match at night, they consult all stakeholders, including Sports Kenya to establish the availability of a venue, FKF, the away team and the broadcaster.
However, hosting a night match comes with additional costs, particularly for floodlights and enhanced security measures.
The veteran football administrator and lawyer noted that the club pays Sh73,000 to hire Nyayo regardless of whether a match is played at night or during the day.
The night matches, however, attract additional expenses ranging from Sh280,000 to Sh400,000 depending on the floodlights service provider. “It is not a one-person decision. You need others to be able to make it work,” stated Rachier.
The additional cost for lighting the floodlights, Rachier said, was not a big concern since the club collects more revenue at the gate at night.
Nairobi-based lawyer and Gor Mahia Football Club chairman Ambrose Rachier.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
He added that they also arrange for more security, which the club pays for.
Gor said Sport Kenya informed them that two matches cannot take place at the stadium within 24 hours.
While Gor will be seeking to maintain their bright start in the league, Bandari will be eyeing their first win.
In their second match of the campaign, K’Ogalo defeated APS Bomet 1-0 at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
Chasing their first league title since 1998, Leopards will be out to secure their second win of the season after defeating Kenya Police 2-1 in the second round.
Shabana will be out to bounce back to winning ways after drawing 0-0 with Nairobi United. Shabana defeated Posta Rangers 1-0 in their season opener. Last season, Leopards completed a double over Shabana, winning 2-1 and 5-1.
