No hope as work stalls in rehabilitation of Mombasa sports grounds

An aerial view of the Mombasa County Stadium. [PHOTO: Maarufu Mohamed/STANDARD]

By ERNEST NDUNDA and PATRICK BEJA

The rehabilitation of Mombasa County Stadium has stalled because the national government has not paid the contractor.

The Mombasa county government wants the national government to release the funds as fans and the football fraternity continue to raise their voice over the delayed completion of the Sh56 million project.

Deputy Governor Hazel Katana says the county’s Minister for Sports Hazel Koitaba has met sports officials in Nairobi and was told the contractor would resume work soon after being paid.

“This is a project of the national government. Our sports minister met sports officials in Nairobi and was told the contractor is yet to be paid,” she says.

She, however, assured county residents that the leadership was pushing for the project to resume so that the stadium can be put to good use again.

Nominated Senator Emma Mbura had made complains that the stadium had been turned into a centre for selling and chewing miraa instead of being used to promote sport activities after the rehabilitation works stalled.

Mbura challenged authorities to act speedily, saying the stadium used to host top sporting events.

Tononoka Grounds

Last Sunday, residents marked Mashujaa Day at the dusty Tononoka grounds because the stadium has been closed to the public for the never-ending rehabilitation, which is now in its third year.

Bandari Football Club, which used the stadium as its home ground, have since switched to Mbaraki Sports Club for training.

The poor state of the stadium also played a part in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) denying Kenya the rights of host the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996. This forced CAF to take the tournament to South Africa.

The Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (Cecafa) has also given the stadium a miss and will hold its Senior Challenge Cup, starting in November, in other towns including Nairobi, Nakuru and Kisumu.

Business communities have also been denied revenue as hosting of the regional football extravaganza could have boosted local tourism.

Meanwhile, Nyali Strikers registered a convincing 3-0 win over Kilindini Youth in one of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Mombasa Premier League matches in Frere Town.

After a goalless first half, Kilindini Youth could not hold out against their rivals further as Anthony Obare of Nyali Strikers scored a brace in the 54th and 75th minute before Abdalla Dirivo nailed the last goal six minutes to time.

From the win, Nyali Strikers move three places up to third position on the 15-team log with 20 points, one below joint leaders Sparki Youngsters and Miritini Stars.

Elsewhere, Mulango held Boca Junior to a 1-1 draw in a Mombasa District Division One match played at Changamwe Estate grounds.

In another clash, Mabrouq’s chances of winning the Mombasa County League title were nipped in the bud after they lost 4-0 to Bamburi Beach in a tough match played at Shimo la Tewa Primary grounds.

After a barren first half, Mabrouq ran out of breath as Bamburi Beach took control of the game. Bamburi scored through Hamisi Kibwana,  Sadiki Kombe with Charo Kazungu netting a brace.

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