Gusii Stadium in Kisii County is in a carnival mood ahead of Football Kenya Federation Premier League match between the home team Shabana FC and multiple champions Gor Mahia FC. Football enthusiasts from both teams started streaming into the stadium as earlier as 7am for the 2pm fixture.
By 11 am, the 12,000-seater stadium was already half-full, and more supporters kept on trickling in in anticipation of the big match between two of Kenya's most supported teams.
When the two teams met in May last year at the same venue, chaos erupted after fans of both sides clashed over seating places. The chaos left more than 70 fans injured and property of unknown value damaged.
To avoid a repeat of last year's chaos, this time round the home team has increased the number of security officers both inside and outside the stadium.
Heavy police presence at Kisii Town and Gusii Stadium ahead of Shabana FC's League match against multiple champions Gor Mahia FC.
Photo credit: Wycliffe Nyaberi | Nation
Officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) have erected roadblocks on all entries to Gusii Stadium.
Unlike in the recent past, where fans would purchase tickets at the gates of the stadium, this time round they are purchasing them far away from the stadium.
Security officers were frisking all individuals getting into the stadium to ensure that no one carries any unauthorised items into the stadium.
In terms of seating arrangement at the stadium, Shabana fans have been allocated 10 stands (from G1 to G 10) at the ordinary stands, commonly known as terraces.
However, the VIP stands are open to fans from both ends.
Gor Mahia will be seeking to extend their fine form and increase their chances of reclaiming the title, which they lost last season to Police FC. Gor Mahia are placed second on the log with 26 points, one behind leaders AFC Leopards, but Gor have two games in hand. In their last assignment, Gor Mahia demolished Kariobangi Sharks 4-1.
Shabana, on the other hand are placed fifth with 23 points. They suffered a shocking 3-1 home loss against Nairobi United over the weekend, and they are expected to come out guns blazing to at least get a point in this closely contested championship.
Since their promotion into top-flight football in 2023, Shabana have not defeated Gor Mahia in four meetings. Gor registered an identical 1-0 win in the 2023/2024 campaign while both teams drew 1-1in the first leg of the 2024/2025 season. Gor then trounced them 1-0 in the return match at Gusii Stadium, a match that was marked with fan trouble.
