Africa-Press – Kenya. Bunyore Starlets’ coach Zachariah Amakhanga wants Football Kenya Federation to allow them to continue using Momboha Stadium in Vihiga county as their home ground despite raising some reservations.
Prior to the suspension of Kenya’s football in February by the global governing body, Fifa, FKF had notified Bunyore to separate the playing field from the dais to make the venue secure. However, this has not been achieved and Amakhanga is worried ahead of the league.
The gaffer said their financial challenges coupled with the high cost of hiring Buhungu Stadium, make it impossible for them to shift their home base. He, however, added that they remain optimistic the county government of Vihiga will do some repairs.
“We don’t intend to change our home venue away from Mumboha, not so soon,” Amakhanga stated.
He went on: “FKF notified the club of the need to separate the main playing field from the dais. A partition is required but not yet complete. Training away from Mumbokha will hit us hard. We don’t have the financial muscle to hire a ground when transportation in itself is a major challenge.”
Bunyore will play in the Women’s Kenya Premier League for the second consecutive season after the Sports Dispute Tribunal declared the 2021-22 season null and void.
Bunyore were supposed to play in the Division One league after relegation from the top tier but SDT’s decision was a welcome relief for the side. The 2022-23 season is set to start on December 3.
Meanwhile, Bunyore have released goalkeeper Ivy Makokha who has joined Vihiga Queens. Midfielder Juliana Keupe is also rumoured to be out of the club but the tricky winger is yet to inform the club of her next move.
Bunyore started well last season but fell off the pace midway. Lack of depth, injuries to key players and inexperience were cited for the team’s mediocre show.
“We learned tough lessons and the lean squad couldn’t help. Stage fright was the girls main undoing considering they were playing in the top tier for the first time,” he said.
“We aim to have seven new experienced players by mid-November. The team is in camp fine-tuning preparations for the upcoming season. We belong to the Premier League and the players will rise to the challenge.”
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