Mwendwa: Nyayo National Stadium a boost for football
By Amos Abuga, September 28, 2020
Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa and AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda have hailed Saturday’s re-opening of the Nyayo National Stadium saying it is a big day for the local game.
While giving his approval of the facility that closed in 2017 for refurbishment, Mwendwa said re-opening of the gates could not have been more timely especially with the top-tier football league beginning in early November.
Mwendwa and the federation plans to use the refurbished facility.
FKF had hoped for an October 23 restart, but as Mwendwa revealed, the decision was hampered by the government’s recent directive on contact-sports further ban in the country.
Besides hosting local football clubs, Nyayo is also likely to host Harambee Stars’ two friendly matches next month against Zambia and Sudan and the 2021 Afcon qualifier against Comoros.
“I think we have to give credit where it’s due. The standards in the stadium have really improved to international levels, that is why we want to host national team matches from here,” said Mwendwa who will be on the ballot to defend his seat next month in the Football Kenya Federation national elections.
Shikanda who led a delegation of his Leopards playing unit to the stadium said the club is happy that they will soon be able to play at their ‘home ground’.
“There are so many good memories for our club from this stadium. For now we can’t wait to get started,” said Shikanda.