Ingwe chief Ambani rallies leaders to fast-track Mombasa Stadium

AFC Leopards Chairman, Bonface Ambani, has called on leaders from Mombasa County and the national government to fast-track the completion of the Mombasa Municipal Stadium before Mombasa United FC begins life in the country’s top-tier league.

Speaking in Mombasa, Ambani said the lack of a modern, high-capacity stadium continues to hinder the growth of sports in the coastal city and across the country.

“During my playing days, all my matches were played at Mombasa Municipal Stadium. One of the biggest challenges facing us in this country is sports infrastructure. When we come to Mombasa, Mbaraki is small. I urge you to push and see how that stadium can be completed before these young players enter the league,” he said.

Ambani noted that Mbaraki Stadium, currently used by Bandari FC, lacks the capacity and facilities required to host top-level competitions.

Addressing the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Ali Hassan Joho, Ambani stressed the urgency of completing the long-stalled project to provide Mombasa United with a suitable venue for their Premier League campaign next season.

“It is going to be very, very important for the growth of football in Mombasa. That is the only request I have from you — that in the near future we will be able to develop and grow football in Mombasa at large,” he added.

However, Joho expressed optimism that the stadium will be completed after the government allocated funds to finalize the long-delayed project, crediting President William Ruto for unlocking the funds.

“I am grateful to the government of William Ruto because it has finally allocated funds to complete this stadium. By this December, we will have a stadium here at the Municipal Stadium. That project has been giving me sleepless nights, with so many debates surrounding it. Let it be completed so that people can see the vision we had,” said Joho.

The project has stalled for more than ten years, sparking disputes among leaders and football stakeholders, but hopes are now high that its completion will mark a new chapter for football in Mombasa.