NSL leaders Nzoia risk playing KPL games outside Bungoma

Runaway National Super League (NSL) front-runners, Nzoia United, risk playing their home fixtures of the 2017 Kenyan Premier League at Mumias Sports Complex unless the Bungoma County Government can complete renovations of Kanduyi Stadium before the start of next season.

The former two-time domestic league winners are leading the charge to return to the top flight having established a nine point lead (62) over closest challengers Nakumatt FC with 13 games left of the campaign they remain unbeaten in the second tier.

The Bungoma based side have turned Kanduyi into a fortress with their fans completing an intimidating atmosphere the club is keen to tap into on their expected return to the top flight.

However, their home stadium has been deemed to fall short of standards to host KPL games and Dr. Anthony Walela, a former AFC Leopards secretary and treasurer urging the Bungoma Government to speed up renovation works of Kanduyi.

“In our county we have no field that can host a Premier League match and our Bungoma based side Nzoia are topping the second tier league. It means chances of joining the top flight are very high.

“So where will they host their league matches if that happens? Let’s not subject our football fans to the torture of cycling to follow their lovely team like what Ken Makokha did during the Nzoia Regional Games in Lodwar by finishing the stadium,” Walela told Citizen Digital.

He was alluding to the almost 400km bicycle ride by the Bungoma native who went to cheer on his favourite Bukembe High School team in the regional KSSSA Games in a journey that went viral.

When contacted, County Chief Sports Officer, Protus Chemonges, said plans are underway to finish the repair works.

“So far, we are done with perimeter wall to ensure the teams that play there and fans are secure. We are now working on carpeting the interior and repairing the ablution block plus the terraces.

“However, that may take some time because it will have to be slated in next year’s budget,” the County official stated hinting Nzoia could yet be compelled to seek a suitable home ground should their promotion be sealed.

Walela lamented Nzoia fans were left crushed by the decision to shift their glamour GOtv Shield quarterfinal against Ulinzi Stars to Moi Stadium in Kisumu where their side crashed out on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw.

It followed their stunning elimination of hosts and KPL champions, Gor Mahia, 1-0 in the previous round at the same venue.

He advised the County to follow the lead of regional governments of Meru, Machakos and Mombasa that were in the process of refurbishing their stadia.

Nzoia beat Agro Chemicals 1-0 through their skipper Vincent Ngera at Sudi Stadium on Sunday leaving them on top of and play their next match away at Nairobi based Wazito FC.