The preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers have hit a significant snag for the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team. As the team gears up to host Zimbabwe in their opening qualifier match, concerns have emerged regarding the availability of Uganda’s Namboole Stadium, which was initially selected as the venue. The uncertainty surrounding the stadium’s readiness has cast a shadow over Kenya’s plans, leaving the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) scrambling for alternatives.
The issue came to light on Tuesday when Sports Club Villa, a prominent Ugandan football club, was suddenly advised to find an alternative venue for their upcoming CAF Champions League preliminary match against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. The match, scheduled for Saturday, was to be held at Namboole Stadium. However, the Ugandan government’s declaration of the stadium as an active construction site has thrown these plans into disarray.
Namboole Stadium, officially known as Mandela National Stadium, has been a central venue for Ugandan football and other major events for years. After being closed for extensive renovations, the stadium was reopened in May 2024, much to the relief of sports enthusiasts. The renovation period, which lasted two years, was intended to upgrade the stadium’s facilities and bring it up to international standards. Following its reopening, the stadium hosted several international matches for the Uganda Cranes, suggesting that it was back in full operation.
However, the recent developments indicate that the renovations are far from complete. According to Lt. Col. Peter Kidemuka, head of the project engineering team from the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces, the stadium remains under construction and is not currently fit to host matches. “No team will play here on Saturday; Namboole is still under renovation. They cannot come and restore this; they cannot play here. It’s a lie; no team has been allowed to play here,” Kidemuka stated in an interview with NTV Uganda. His remarks highlight the ongoing challenges with the stadium’s readiness, contradicting earlier assurances that the venue was fully operational.
The implications of this situation are significant, not just for Sports Club Villa but also for Harambee Stars and FKF. With both Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia in Kenya closed for renovations, FKF had arranged to host their ‘home’ game against Zimbabwe at Namboole Stadium on 4 September. This decision was made with the understanding that Namboole would provide a suitable venue for the crucial AFCON qualifier. However, the news of continued construction at the stadium has thrown these plans into doubt.
Uganda’s Sports Minister, Peter Ogwang, has sought to address the issue by promising to meet with the Ministry of Defence to discuss the situation. “Tomorrow (Wednesday), I will be in Namboole specifically to have a meeting with the Ministry of Defence and my ministry. As the client, if the facility can host a game on Saturday, why not?” Ogwang said. His comments suggest that there may still be hope for the stadium to host upcoming matches, but the uncertainty remains.
For Harambee Stars, the uncertainty surrounding the venue is a significant concern. The opening match of the AFCON qualifiers is critical for setting the tone of the campaign, and the choice of venue plays a crucial role in the team’s preparation and performance. The prospect of having to find an alternative venue at this late stage adds an unwanted complication to FKF’s logistical challenges.
If Namboole Stadium is indeed unavailable, FKF will need to explore other options quickly. This could involve identifying a different venue in Uganda or even seeking alternatives in neighboring countries. Each option comes with its own set of challenges, from securing the necessary approvals to ensuring that the selected venue meets the standards required for an international fixture of this magnitude.
The situation also raises broader concerns about the state of sports infrastructure in the region. The simultaneous closure of major stadia in Kenya and the ongoing issues at Namboole Stadium highlight the pressing need for investment in sports facilities across East Africa. For countries like Kenya and Uganda, where football is a significant part of the national culture, the availability of world-class venues is essential not just for hosting international events but also for nurturing local talent and promoting the sport at all levels.
As FKF awaits further developments, the focus will remain on ensuring that Harambee Stars are adequately prepared for their upcoming match, regardless of the venue. The team’s coaching staff and players will need to maintain their focus and adaptability, ready to perform at their best under any circumstances.
The uncertainty surrounding the venue is undoubtedly a distraction, but it also serves as a reminder of the resilience required to succeed in international football. For Harambee Stars, the road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is already presenting its challenges. How they navigate this early test could set the tone for the rest of their qualification campaign.
In the meantime, Kenyan football fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a swift resolution that allows the team to focus on the task at hand. Whether the match against Zimbabwe takes place at Namboole Stadium or another venue, the goal remains the same: to secure a victory and set the stage for a successful journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The coming days will be critical for FKF as they work to finalize arrangements and ensure that Harambee Stars have a suitable venue for their qualifier. With the clock ticking down to the match date, the pressure is on to find a solution that meets the needs of the team and the expectations of fans.
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