By Reuben Olita
Malaba Acunet Stadium is set for expansion to improve the border town’s sports facility to match local and international standards.
Addressing mourners during the burial service of retired teacher and teso council of Elders official Jerome Imutuan at Kidek Village in Amagoro location on Tuesday, County Executive Committee Member for strategic Partnership and ICT Douglas Okiring said Ksh 10 million has been set aside for the project.
The stadium currently hosts Sub county, county, division two, and friendly matches involving local, national, international teams, and referees training for local and international training, and other activities.
The most urgent intervention by the county government is the need to construct a perimeter fence to keep football fans at bay from accessing the field of play, and construction of the main and ” russian” stand where fans and officials sit.
County culture and sports CECM Paul Olunga Ekwenye revealed that the county governor, Dr. Paul Otuoma Soccer Cup will kick off in early December.
The much anticipated tournament, the CEC said will start at sub county level with the overall winner receiving cash award of Ksh500,000.
Ekwenye stated that the county government has elaborate plans to put the choir team, which is under David Imutuan as trainer into national and international limelight.
” The team is proceeding to Kakamega for a competition before heading to Kampala, Uganda for the East African games.
He disclosed that the county government will roll out cultural activities scheduled for sub county levels on December 2, adding that the event in Teso North will be held in Chelelemuk, emphasising that awards to winners will be at every level. Also, to be held on the same day will be the beauty peagant competition and rap.
Malaba Central Ward fan and former Young Brazil Mwari FC star Oscar Ochana said the move by the County Government of Busia to set aside Ksh10million for the expansion of Malaba Stadium is a good idea.
However, Mr Ochana said the land currently occupied by the stadium is too small, urging the county government to look for a big land or negotiate with the current owners neighbouring the stadium to vacate to pave way for its expansion.
