Kakamega Homeboyz secure Nyayo Stadium for CAF Confederation Cup encounter against Libya’s Al Hilal

©Kakamega Homeboyz

FOOTBALL Kakamega Homeboyz secure Nyayo Stadium for CAF Confederation Cup encounter against Libya’s Al Hilal

Mark Kinyanjui 15:29 - 15.08.2023

Homeboyz are relieved that they will be playing the crucial match on home soil after fears that they would have to shift to Tanzania owing to lack of a CAF-approved Stadium in Kenya

FKF Cup winners Kakamega Homeboyz will play Libyan outfit Al Hilal Benghazi in their debut CAF Confederation Cup fixture at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday from 3:00 PM EAT.

This will come as a relief to Abana Abeingo, in the wake of reports that they would be playing their fixtures in Tanzania after African football governing body CAF had rendered the stadium unfit for CAF assignments this season.

At the start of the month, work commenced to improve Nyayo’s playing surface immediately after the end of the World Rugby U20 Trophy which had been hosted at the stadium from July 15-30.

Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula praised FKF for pushing to make sure Nyayo Stadium was deemed fit enough for purpose, which will enable the club's fans to watch them rather than having to travel to Tanzania.

“We were surprised and in shock at being asked to take our game away from the fans (by playing in Tanzania) but I am now happy FKF and the government through Sports CS Ababu Namwamba have heard our cries and acquired Nyayo for use,” Shimanyula said.

“Nyayo is a good venue, we understand it better than playing in Tanzania and I know we will not let down our fans.”

The continental governing body has assigned the Ugandan quartet of William Oloya, Isa Masembe, Emmanuel Okudra, and Mashood Ssali to officiate the match.

The return leg will then be hosted a week later in Libya, with the winning team proceeding to play Rwanda’s Rayon Sports in the second preliminary round.

Homeboyz will be Kenya’s sole representatives at the continental stage this year, as Gor Mahia were kicked out of  the CAF Champions League after the club delayed to settle dues owed to former players.