Football stakeholders from the western region yesterday lauded the Kakamega County Government for heeding the call to renovate the iconic Khayega Sports Ground.

Officers from the Sports Department led by the Kakamega Stadium Manager Edward Odera visited Khayega and Khwisero Sports Grounds yesterday, where they handed over the two facilities to contractors to commence phase two of upgrade works.

 Odera said the County is targeting to uplift various sports facilities in every Sub-County to give youth a chance to nurture their talents. He directed the contractors to complete the projects as per the approved bill of quantities and within the agreed timelines.   “At the end of this exercise, we expect to see standard fields that will be utilised by our residents for various activities including football and other sports be upgraded,” Odera explained, adding that officers from both County Departments of Sports and Public Works will partner and closely supervise the works to completion until the official hand-over.

 Former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards star Tony Lidonde said it marked another milestone for local football that will see many careers being revived.

“This was at one time one of the best fields around with a very good playing surface, but encroachment and vehicles that are being parked here have rendered it impossible to host matches. Most local stars who dominated top leagues in the 1980s and 90’s used this ground and it has remained very important not only for football but also for bull-fighting. We hope the contractor will move with speed and hand over the ground so that paying activities can resume,” noted Lidonde.

He called on Damfor Construction Company which secured the tender to exhibit sound workmanship ostensibly to benefit many.

 Reginald Asibwa who also played for AFC Leopards and the national football team during his heydays expressed his excitement and urged the local community to embrace and support the initiative.

“It’s a dream come true and let’s embrace it and support the construction process that I believe will stick to the timeline.

“We also want to see other areas of the county being singled out for an upgrade to enhance football sport development.

 “I’m also calling upon other well-wishers to borrow a leaf and sacrifice for the sake of getting our boys employment through football,’’ said Asibwa.

The once famous ground that has churned great players, the likes of Asibwa, Lidonde, Washington Muhanji and Ambani brothers – Fred and Boniface, has been turned into a parking lot and a hiding place for muggers.

Phase one of the upgrade of facilities saw  Solyo and Mukumu Grounds in Shinyalu, Bumwende and Emanani in Mumias East and Matungu as well as Matete in Lugari Sub-Counties commence respectively.

Already some of the fields such as Matete are complete and are awaiting hand-over to the county by the respective contractors.

Three facilities in Butere, Navakholo and Lugari sub-counties respectively will serve as mini stadia.

The Chief Officer for Public Works Patrick Likavo was represented by Arthur Chitechi who affirmed that the Department will ensure the projects are completed within 16 weeks.

The contractors are expected to level the grounds, plant grass, fence the fields and erect goalposts in conformity with the FIFA standards.