'No player can risk' - Onyango not convinced with Nakivubo Stadium standards

'No player can risk' - Onyango not convinced with Nakivubo Stadium standards

'No player can risk' - Onyango not convinced with Nakivubo Stadium standards

Allan Damba • 12:58 - 27.11.2023

While it's not certain whether the purpose is to have the stadium as a training or a host for the games, former Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango doesn't believe it's up to the right standards.

The newly developed Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium was among the facilities tabled by Uganda in their bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

While it's not certain whether the purpose is to have the stadium as a training or a host for the games, former Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango doesn't believe it's up to the right standards.

"Nakivubo stadium is not up to the standards to host the AFCON matches given the nature of the playing surface," Onyango told Bukedde TV.

"No player can risk their careers playing on artificial tuffs since they injure players' joints," the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper added in an honest assessment of the facility.

Nakivubo Stadium looks ready to host matches|COURTESY

Uganda, along with Kenya and Tanzania, won the bid to host the 2027 AFCON, and all countries will need to have the highest quality facilities.

Dennis Onyango doesn't think the Nakivubo turf is up to standards|COURTESY

"A standard stadium for an event like AFCON must be natural grass," Onyango advised.

However, the Uganda Cranes legend applauded Nakivubo stadium developer Hamis Kiggundu for the facility in a country still struggling with infrastructure.

Ham Kiggundu at his developed Nakivubo Stadium|COURTESY

"But, however, I commend HAM for setting up such a facility that will enhance the growth of Ugandan football."

Despite the current state of Nakivubo's playing surface, there's still time for the planting of natural grass, as the AFCON is over four years away.