As of today, we've seen the Mashemeji Derby in Kenya postponed, the Kariokor Derby in Tanzania stalled by petty drama and the Cairo Derby in Egypt hung up over a referee standoff.
Imagine this: the stands vibrating with passion, fans painted head to toe, isukuti drums pounding like thunder with fans up on their feet, Africa's football derbies are the very soul of the sport on the continent. These matchups aren’t just games; they are explosive moments that define cultures, histories and deep rivalries. But in 2025, the magic is fading fast. As of today, we've seen the Mashemeji Derby in Kenya postponed, the Kariokor Derby in Tanzania stalled by petty drama and the Cairo Derby in Egypt hung up over a referee standoff. African football is in trouble, and the fans, the ones who live and breathe these derbies, are growing increasingly frustrated. So, what went wrong and how can we bring the pulse of African football back to life?
Let’s start with here in Kenya, where the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia should be a fierce clash steeped in decades of rivalry. Scheduled initially for March 2, 2025, the match was postponed for the second time due to a lack of a suitable venue. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and AFC Leopards cited ongoing construction work at Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as the primary reasons. Despite Nyayo Stadium reportedly receiving approval for use, confusion and poor coordination have left fans without their beloved clash.
FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga expressed bewilderment at the repeated delays, highlighting a deeper issue: Kenya’s chronic shortage of adequate football infrastructure. For over a decade, the country has struggled to maintain or build stadiums capable of hosting high profile, high risk matches like the Mashemeji Derby, which draws massive crowds and requires stringent security measures, with even the national team having to host their matches outside the country for some time.
Across the border in Tanzania, the Kariokor Derby between Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba SC often referred to as the ‘Dar-Es-Salaam derby’ was also meant to be a high octane spectacle. This is the game that turns neighbors into enemies for 90 minutes. But instead of seeing football drama on the pitch, we were treated to behind the scenes drama. While specific details remain murky, posts on social media suggest that petty disputes, possibly involving officiating or organizational disagreements, derailed the highly anticipated showdown. In a rivalry this fierce, where the atmosphere is electric and the stakes are high, it’s incredibly frustrating to see the game derailed by petty dramas. This isn’t a reality show; this is people’s lives. Fans expect more than gossip; they deserve football, not melodrama.
Across to Egypt in North Africa, the Cairo Derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek, arguably the continent’s biggest club rivalry, faced its own disruption. Scheduled for yesterday, 11th March 2025, the match was thrown into doubt due to a refereeing dispute. Zamalek refused to play if foreign referees officiated, while Al Ahly insisted on local officials being sidelined. This impasse led to a postponement, with both clubs digging in their heels over a matter that should have been resolved well in advance.
The Cairo Derby Is a global spectacle, often drawing comparisons to Europe’s El Clásico or South America’s Superclásico. Yet, this standoff reveals how petty power struggles and a lack of trust in officiating can undermine even the most prestigious fixtures. Egyptian football authorities also appear to be caught in a cycle of mismanagement, unable to mediate effectively between two giants whose rivalry fuels the sport’s popularity in the region.
When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, it’s clear that African football is in trouble. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re a pattern of failure that stretches across the continent. From Kenya's stadium crisis to Tanzania's petty squabbles and Egypt's infighting, African football is stumbling. These derbies, which should be the pride of the continent, are slipping through the cracks. And let’s not forget the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which recently postponed the African Nations Championship earlier this year for similar reasons. Fans are fed up, and rightfully so. These derbies aren't just games; they are part of the cultural fabric, the heartbeat of African football. When they’re canceled or postponed, it’s not just a missed opportunity, it’s a blow to the identity of the sport.
But all is not lost. If we act now, we can turn things around. The first step is simple: fix the stadiums. Kenya needs to stop making excuses. Nyayo and Kasarani must be finished, no more delays. If necessary, borrow a stadium from Uganda or Ethiopia to get the Mashemeji Derby back on track. If it’s that hard, play the match in an empty stadium and let fans watch on the screen.
Next, Tanzania needs to put an end to the drama. The Kariokor Derby should not be held hostage by backstage nonsense. The football authorities need to set clear rules and stick to them. No more vague excuses or drama. The fans deserve better, and Yanga and Simba deserve to face each other on the pitch, not in a mess of logistics and squabbles.
As for Egypt, it’s time to end the referee saga. The Cairo Derby is far too big to be derailed over egos. Al Ahly and Zamalek need to come together with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and CAF to find a solution that works for everyone. Local and foreign referees should be integrated into the system, with thorough training and preparation for all officials. This isn’t just about the players on the pitch; it’s about preserving the integrity and tradition of the game. A solution must be found before the season begins to ensure that this iconic derby isn’t ruined by something as trivial as who’s blowing the whistle.
Finally, CAF must step up. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a continental one. CAF should implement strict audits of stadiums, demand federations to prove they’re ready to host major events and impose fines on those who fail to deliver. It’s time for CAF to hold footballing bodies accountable and provide support to those in need, like Kenya, which is struggling with infrastructure. CAF needs to show leadership if African football is going to thrive.
African football’s dark days may have arrived, but they don’t have to last. The Mashemeji, Kariokor and Cairo Derbies are the lifeblood of the sport on this continent, it is raw, passionate and uniquely African. If we put in the work, secure the right resources and act with integrity, these derbies can roar once again. The fans are waiting. The players are ready. And Africa’s football culture is stronger than ever. Let’s fix this, because without these derbies, African football just isn’t the same.