Former Harambee Stars captain Robert Mambo has voiced concerns over the continued use of Dandora and Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos for FKF Premier League matches, stating that these venues not only endanger players but also degrade the overall quality of play, affecting the league’s standards.With the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nyayo, Police Sacco, and Ulinzi Sports Complex stadia all closed, the majority of Nairobi-based top-tier clubs have resorted to using these two facilities.Mambo, a former Harambee Stars midfielder, insists that these venues are delapitdated, and even lower-league matches should not be hosted there.##NAJAVA_MECA_8720372##For context, 13 out of the 18 top tier teams are based in Nairobi and its environs and the two facilities mostly host double-headers.“I have concerns with both Dandora and Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. I don’t believe they’re suitable to host top-flight matches. We can do better than that. We cannot have Kenya’s top tier games played in facilities that, in my opinion, aren’t even fit for lower league matches,” Mambo told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_8720344##The Swedish-based former midfielder, well-versed in artificial pitches, expressed his specific concern about Dandora’s playing surface, calling it substandard and risky for players.He stressed that the poor quality of the turf not only increases the risk of injuries but also disrupts the flow of play, a concern that has been echoed by many.Gor Mahia keen to warm up for Mashemeji Derby with win over Bidco United”The quality of the turf at Dandora is subpar, which leads to serious consequences, including injuries to players. It also impacts the overall style of play. Artificial turf must meet the right standards, but unfortunately, just like the turf at City Stadium and Camp Toyoyo Grounds, the one at Dandora falls short. For me, the quality of the playing surface shouldn’t even be a point of negotiation—it’s essential that we get it right,” he explained.Mambo added that the poor conditions hinder players’ ability to fully express themselves on the pitch. He pointed out that many talented young players are disadvantaged by these substandard surfaces, making it impossible for them to showcase their skills.Wamalwa eyes Golden Boot as Ulinzi Stars gain stability”We have talented players who strive to play quality football. I’ve watched several games where you can see they’re giving their all, but the pitch works against them. They keep slipping because the turf is substandard. Machakos is another stadium that shouldn’t be hosting KPL games. It’s bumpy, and football can’t flow on such a surface. By allowing young players to play on such pitches, we’re doing them a huge disservice,” he said.He called on the newly elected FKF administration to ensure that matches are played on high-quality pitches, particularly for the sake of the players and the league’s image.”I have confidence in the new office led by Hussein Mohammed and Mariga, who has played at the highest levels of club football, including the UEFA Champions League. I trust they will work towards ensuring football is played on standard pitches. I have no issue with the stands—fans can stand while watching football—but the condition of the pitch is paramount,” Mambo emphasized.Nairobi City Stars coach identifies Mohammed Bajaber’s heirWhile focusing on Dandora and Kenyatta Stadium (Machakos), Mambo highlighted a broader issue with the state of pitches across Kenya. He was particularly disheartened by the current condition of Ruaraka Stadium, once a well-maintained venue, now in poor shape.”I was in Ruaraka in January and was shocked by its condition. When I played for Tusker, the stadium was well-maintained, but now it’s in a terrible state. I can’t understand how players even train there, let alone play league matches,” Mambo remarked.Finally, he stressed the importance of having proper facilities to attract sponsors, noting that poor aesthetics and low-quality stadiums are barriers to securing commercial partnerships.Shabana confirm acquisition of two former players in busy transfer window”To attract sponsors, we need to ensure football is played in the right facilities. No sponsor will want to advertise their products in a stadium that doesn’t look appealing. We may wonder why it’s difficult to get sponsors, but it could come down to basic factors like having football played in the right caliber of stadium. Aesthetics matter,” he continued.”I believe in the potential of Kenyan football. Let’s build it, starting with the basics—getting the playing surfaces right. Once we do that, I’m confident everything else will fall into place in the long run,” he concluded.Collision of tactical differences as Ulinzi Stars face Kariobangi Sharks
