AFC Leopards head coach Tomas Trucha expressed his deep frustration following his team’s 1-0 victory over Bidco United on Saturday, not because of the performance on the pitch, but due to the poor state of the facilities at Thika Stadium. In a post-match interview, Trucha strongly criticized the lack of basic amenities, describing the conditions as unacceptable for professional football in Kenya.
The issues at Thika Stadium are glaring: no proper dressing rooms, insufficient toilet facilities, and poor overall infrastructure. For a country with ambitions to improve the standard of football and eventually compete at a higher level on the international stage, these deficiencies pose significant setbacks.
Substandard Facilities at Thika Stadium
On Saturday, Thika Stadium hosted two matches. The early kickoff saw league leaders KCB cruise to a 3-0 victory over Posta Rangers. AFC Leopards’ clash with Bidco United followed, and despite a hard-fought 1-0 win for Leopards, the poor facilities overshadowed the day’s events.
One of the most glaring issues was the absence of proper dressing rooms, which forced players from both teams to change on the sidelines. This lack of privacy and professionalism was a shock to many in attendance, including Trucha, who had expected basic requirements for a top-flight match.
Another troubling aspect was the absence of toilets near the playing area. Players and staff were left to relieve themselves near their buses, an embarrassment for a professional league. “When you want to relieve yourself, where do you go? On the tires of your cars and the bus, right?” Trucha lamented.
These conditions, according to Trucha, do not reflect well on Kenyan football. “Is this what we want for football in 2024? This is not the image we want to present,” Trucha said, emphasizing the need for authorities to ensure that stadiums hosting professional matches meet minimum standards.
A Win Overshadowed by Poor Infrastructure
Despite his frustration with the stadium, Trucha’s team managed to secure a late victory thanks to a strike from Sydney Lokale, a result that gave Leopards their third win in nine meetings against Bidco United. Lokale’s goal in the dying minutes was a relief for the Leopards, who were coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Posta Rangers the previous week.
However, even this much-needed victory couldn’t distract from the larger issues at hand. Trucha’s post-match comments made it clear that the conditions at Thika Stadium detracted from the joy of winning. “I have mixed feelings because, yes, we won, but look at where we had to play,” he added. The coach was especially concerned about the message these conditions sent about the state of Kenyan football.
The Impact on Kenyan Football’s Image
The issues raised by Trucha are not isolated. Many stadiums across Kenya, particularly those hosting top-tier FKF Premier League matches, struggle with inadequate facilities. Dressing rooms, toilets, and even proper seating for fans are lacking at several venues. For a country aspiring to develop its footballing infrastructure and produce high-quality players, these issues are significant roadblocks.
Facilities play a critical role in professional sports. Without proper amenities, teams can’t prepare or recover adequately, and fans have a poor matchday experience. Furthermore, such conditions make it difficult for Kenyan football to attract foreign investments, sponsors, and players. The subpar infrastructure sends the wrong message to the international football community, which could hurt efforts to grow the league’s visibility and reputation.
Here are the table standings.#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/mZ1rdHauEg
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) September 22, 2024
Trucha’s comments have sparked a wider debate about the need for reform. Many fans and stakeholders share his sentiments and believe that improving stadium facilities should be a priority for Kenyan football authorities. The lack of proper infrastructure not only affects players but also limits the fan experience, which is crucial for growing the sport’s popularity in the country.
Looking Ahead: Improvements Needed
As AFC Leopards prepare for their next match against Nairobi City Stars at Dandora Stadium, Trucha hopes that the conditions there will be better than those at Thika. The coach has made it clear that he wants his team to focus on their performance on the pitch, not be distracted by the off-field issues that plagued their last game.
Still, the problems at Thika Stadium serve as a reminder that much work remains to be done if Kenyan football is to progress. Basic amenities like dressing rooms, toilets, and seating are essential for professional matches, and their absence at a stadium hosting top-tier matches is unacceptable.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will need to take swift action to address these concerns. For a league aiming to develop and compete on a higher level, these infrastructural shortcomings must be addressed. Clubs like AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s oldest and most successful teams, deserve better conditions as they fight for titles and strive to represent the country on the international stage.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
Tomas Trucha’s candid criticism of the conditions at Thika Stadium shines a spotlight on the larger issues facing Kenyan football. While AFC Leopards can celebrate their hard-fought victory, the coach’s remarks highlight the pressing need for infrastructural improvements in the sport.
Kenyan football authorities must take these concerns seriously if they wish to elevate the FKF Premier League’s status and attract both local and international attention. As the league progresses, the focus should not only be on the action on the pitch but also on providing an environment that reflects the professionalism and ambition of the players, teams, and fans involved.
In the end, it is about more than just football. It is about setting a standard that all stakeholders, from players to supporters, can be proud of. And for that to happen, changes in the infrastructure supporting the sport are not just necessary—they are long overdue.
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