Mbaraki Sports Ground will be closed next weekend after a Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match between champions Gor Mahia and Bandari.The facility is set to undergo a Ksh 300million renovation and will not be available until next season.Bandari who use the facility as their homeground will thus be required to get an alternative home during the renovation.According to Bandari FC Vice-Chairman Twaha Mbarak the delay in closing the facility was necessary so as to ensure they were able to host all high risk matches at the venue.“We did not have another venue where to host high risk matches to allow for the renovation to commence. The last high risk match is against Gor Mahia on March 9. After that we have agreed with the contractor that they can move in and start the upgrade,” he said.Mbarak said they are considering several alternatives to host their home matches including Ukunda grounds, Moi Stadium in Voi as well as Dawson Mwanyumba Stadium in Wundanyi.“Of the three venues we are considering, Ukunda looks perfect because we have many fans here. But we still need the concurrence of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to decide on the final venue after the facilities are inspected and passed fit to host,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_7910229##After the facelift, Mbaraki grounds will have new terraces, dressing rooms as well as a new tartan track for athletics.This is the first time the facility is undergoing such a major facelift. Elsewhere, Mbarak further revealed the team is delighted to be playing this weekend’s league match against Shabana in Machakos instead of HomaBay Stadium.“The change of venue is really to our advantage because it has reduced the distance we will need to travel and therefore our players will not suffer much from fatigue,” he said.It is not clear why Shabana have moved the match to Machakos Stadium from their usual venue.
