Kenyan giants AFC Leopards had a pre-season tour in Uganda last week and could not help but appreciate the level of football development in the country as far as stadia is concerned.Comparing that to the situation back home, they rightfully observed that there is a big difference with the situation in Kenya.“There is a very big difference between the two countries. Kenya seems to be lagging behind in stadium development,” said Keagan Ambeyi, a member of the AFC Leopards media team.Three East African Countries; Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a joint bid by the three neighbours.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284392##Of the three, only Kenya does not have a Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved stadium as of now, with Uganda boasting the renovated Namboole Stadium while Tanzania have the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium approved.Apart from the two stadia, Uganda and Tanzania have other facilities awaiting approval or close to achieving the requirements for either playing or training. Hamz Stadium is one of such facilities.In their pre-season tour of Uganda, AFC Leopards played a friendly match against Uganda’s top-tier side Express FC as part of the opening ceremony of the newly refurbished Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.Mozzart Sport caught up with some of the members of that delegation who shared their insights about the stadium and how it compares to what they see in Kenya.OPINION: Dear clubs, don’t allow Gor Mahia to turn FKFPL into a farmers’ league“The biggest difference between Hamz Stadium and what we have back home is that it is a football stadium. It does not have a running track which then creates room for a great atmosphere as fans are closer to the pitch,” said Ambeyi.Ambeyi was also impressed with the ongoing construction of accommodation facilities in the stadium which would then mean that a team can have a full camp, operating within the stadium.He shared the lessons learnt from that impactful experience, especially on the commercial side of football.“Football is business. If a private investor can make such a standard 25,000-seater stadium and hire it out, he can make a lot of money. Our two biggest clubs; Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards for instance do not have a stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291075##The government must also invest in sports facilities. That a privately owned facility is far much better than what the government owns leaves a lot to be desired,” he concluded.On his part, AFC Leopards’ center-back Kennedy Owino described the pre-season tour as an eye-opener worth benchmarking from.“They have done a good job in that stadium. If someone wants to make a stadium, that is the place to benchmark and maybe just look for that contractor.The level is so high. We entered and thought that we were in Europe. It is that good,” said Owino.All FKF Premier League weekend matches preview ahead of new seasonThe former Posta Rangers defender went ahead to also compare that experience with what is in the country currently.“It has virtually everything you need in a football stadium. For a long time, we have not played under floodlights in Kenya but in that stadium, you get to experience that.Back home, we have had a problem with lights at Nyayo and Kasarani stadia for a very long time without finding a permanent solution to that,” said Owino.Owino further said that it is the wish of every footballer to play in such a facility which at the moment is only possible if one plays for the national team or CAF competitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291074##“The dressing room, hotels and other recreational facilities are a sight to behold. It is the dream of every footballer to play in such a stadium. It is a good motivator.Currently, you only get to experience such if you play in the national team and happen to go for an away match in a country with such or in CAF Competitions in countries like North Africa,” he concluded.Mozzart Sport’s Josh Angatia who was also part of the team highlighted some of the things that impressed him in the Hamz Stadium.“Designated underground parking, Orderly entries, Secluded team entries, Spacious dressing rooms with air conditioners, well-stocked washrooms and well-equipped shower rooms are some of the great features of the stadium.”FKKPL Preview: Tusker’s race for 14 means shedding ‘bridesmaid tag’Other features of the stadium include massage rooms, a kit manager’s room, a referees designated area, a VAR designated area, a coach room and 32 VIP boxes.The facility has an artificial surface with rubber, quality turf and restaurants within the stadium for refreshments and entertainment.With Kenya’s neighbours and partners making real strides forward, Kenya must pull up her socks and catch up if not become the best sporting destination in the region.The government is currently building a new Talanta Stadium as well as undertaking renovations at Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani Stadium as part of the preparations for the continent’s biggest football tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291077##As to whether the stadiums will reach to required standards is a matter of wait and see.
