Fifa officials inspect renovation works at Kisumu’s Moi Stadium

A past match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu. FILE PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI |

What you need to know:

  • World football governing body expresses its commitment to the development of football in Kenya.

World football governing body Fifa has expressed its commitment to the development of football in Kenya.

Speaking after inspecting Kisumu’s Moi Stadium where the world football governing body funded the laying of an artificial turf, Fifa contracted supervisor Sophocles Sophocleous of Netherlands-based Greenfield Company said he was impressed with the progress made at the stadium.

Sophocleous was on an inspection tour of the on-going renovation works at the facility which is to be upgraded to international standards.

The stadium is one of the venues earmarked to host some matches during next year’s African Nations Championship tournament.

“The (Kisumu) county government should take advantage of the visit by Fifa officials to help renovate the facility. We are working out on introducing turfs that can accommodate both football and athletics events,” he said.

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma urged the official to support the county government in re-designing the main stand at the facility to international standards.

Sophocleous urged sports stakeholders to invest in other sports such as hockey which enjoys a big following locally.

Ranguma urged Football Kenya Federation to fulfil its mandate regarding the renovation as the project was started before devolution, adding that his government would play its part.

He said some stakeholders have agreed to partner the county government in the project, with soft drinks giant Coca-Cola committing Sh50 million to erection of seats in the stadium.