Questions have risen regarding whether Harambee Stars will host their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Namboole Stadium in Uganda after the Ugandan government declared the venue a construction site.The matter came to light on Tuesday when Sports Club Villa was unexpectedly advised to find an alternative ground for their first-leg preliminary CAF Champions League game against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, scheduled for Saturday.##NAJAVA_MECA_8269518##This situation has thrown Villa into a state of jeopardy, as they could face repercussions from the continental football governing body, CAF.The stadium, which had been reopened in May after two years of construction, hosted Uganda Cranes’ international matches two months ago. However, issues have now emerged, as the Ugandan league winners have been informed that they cannot use the facility on Saturday due to ongoing renovations.“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,” said LT. COL Peter Kidemuka, head of the project engineer for the Ugandan People Defence Forces, in an interview with NTV Uganda.He added, “It’s just a rumour. If they have been allowed, maybe they will be dropped by a chopper because there is no way for them to pass.”Harambee Stars to miss Daniel Anyembe in 2025 AFCON qualifier opener against ZimbabweHowever, the Sports Minister, Peter Ogwang, gave Villa some hope, promising to hold a meeting with the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday in an attempt to resolve the matter.“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?”With Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia closed, Kenya had planned to host their ‘home’ game against Zimbabwe in Uganda on Wednesday 4 September. If the construction issues in Uganda persist, FKF may have to seek an alternative venue.Cheche on how two new Kenya Police FC signings are struggling to adapt
