KCCA CEO Anisha Shahir Muhoozi has responded on concerns raised over a decision to accept hosting rivals SC Villa at Mandela National stadium, Namboole instead of Lugogo.
The highly anticipated clash is one of the two matches, along with BUL vs Vipers that will test the readiness of Namboole to host matches again after years of renovation.
“As we are all aware, there has been renovation works going on at Namboole and we are in the final stages of having the stadium re-opened. But one of the conditions CAF set, was to have test matches and see if the venue is ready,” said Rogers Byamukama, FUFA Exco Member.
“FUFA and the Uganda Premier League Secretariat sat together and agreed to have two League games serve as test matches for the refurbished stadium. We zeroed down on two key fixtures who have a bearing on the title race,” Byamukama added.
Nation Media Journalist Gystin Angarukiremu like many football enthusiasts especially KCCA fans questioned the wisdom of both BUL and KCCA CEOs on allowing to lose home advantage.
“I want to hear from the CEOs of BUL and KCCA, BUL, maybe not so much but KCCA, I am all ears! Do you not worry about the impact of moving a game from your home ground, to a “neutral” ground? She posted on X and immediately got a response from Muhoozi.
“Valid concern and we had similar sentiments among other factors when the request came through,” she replied. “However, we opted to look at the bigger picture and support government and FUFA in this national cause. The end in mind if achieved justifies the sacrifice made.”
Advantage Villa, Vipers?
For many, moving these two matches favour the visiting teams. Villa’s record at Lugogo against KCCA is alarming and they will hope Namboole being neutral and natural grass gives them advantage than playing on the artificial turf.
The same can be said of Vipers who will now make a shorter trip to Namboole than moving to Njeru where the artificial turf has waned and unplayable in addition to having more fans who could have been out if it meant travelling to the East.
Gate collection
There is also the issue of gate collection and how it will be shared as both matches have one ticket.
KCCA – Villa matches at Lugogo always attract capacity crowds at Lugogo with hosts having full control on all revenue which wont be the case on May 1.
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