NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21 – League champions Gor Mahia will have to look for a temporary training and home ground after Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero announced renovation at Nairobi City Stadium will roll out from July.
Speaking when handing over away kit to K’Ogalo at the venue, Kidero said the project will cost over Sh87.9m (USD1m).
“We are just about to sign an agreement with an organisation that is closely associated with promotion of sports to the tune of Sh65.9m (USD 750,000) and we will add more as well to completely renovate the stadium.
“We want to bring it to international standards to enable our teams compete effectively and we have already started the programme in Nairobi where we intend to refurbish some of the grounds,” Kidero stated.
The oldest facility that accommodates 15,000 people will see the artificial ground redone, another terrace stand erected in the ‘Russia’ side and refurbishment of dressing rooms.
For Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier, the notice has come too early since they are yet to find a temporary home.
“At the moment we are considering various options but we have not made a decision where we will be heading, we have two months to do so and when the refurbishment is over we will be back,” Rachier, who also serves as Kenyan Premier League (KPL) chairman declared.
“We want to appreciate the Governor’s effort for coming to our aid since we are still struggling financially. So far we have received about Sh750, 000 from our pay bill number out of Sh2.7m we require every month to run the club.
“We are in the process of acquiring a new sponsor but at the moment we will have to depend on well wishers,” he added.
Other KPL clubs that will be affected by the move include KCB and Thika United who made City their backyard at the beginning of the season as Thika Municipal stadium undergoes renovation.
K’Ogalo will depart Nairobi on Thursday by air to face in form Chemelil Sugar at Mumias Sports Complex and are expected to don their new away white kit for the first time.
Captain and keeper Jerim Onyango said they will put aside history that has seen them dominate over the last four years and give their best.
“It is a top of the table clash and important to us considering they are second but we hope for the best since we don’t have many injury worries.
“We have an upper hand against them but football has changed and that is past we are now focusing on tomorrow’s match and I hope we will do what we do best.
“We wish our assistant coach Bobby Ogola a quick recovery and we are looking forward to win so that we can boost him health wise,” the international custodian told Capital Sport after finalizing their training.
