Busia County government is set to borrow a leave from neighbouring counties of Siaya and Kakamega by constructing a modern stadium in Busia town that will mirror Nyayo stadium in a record period of 5 years under the leadership of Governor Paul Otuoma.
Speaking at Busia stadium during the launch of the Global Appeal Football tournament, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Culture and Sports Paul Olung’a revealed that Sh80 million has already been set aside to begin the construction that will give the current stadium a phase lift, with a modern perimeter wall and improved VIP pavilion.
The CECM said the County Government has secured partnership to help fast-track the Sports Bill and Sports Policy which will go a long way in funding clubs or sportsmen and women who represent the country in national events.
“The leadership of governor Otuoma is committed in nurturing sports from the grassroots and that is the reason the sport bill will help to fund and promote sporting activities across the county especially teams representing the County in FKF from regionals, division 2 up to premier league,” noted Olung’a.
His sentiments were echoed by Busia woman rep Catherine Omanyo who was the chief guest at the tournament, urging the county to support creation of a team that will compete at the premier league level.
Omanyo who is also a member of the Sports Committee in the National Assembly said that the national government has set aside over Sh85million for construction of a Complex Stadium in every county, noting that it will be a one stop shop with training facilities and hospital among others.
The founder and chairman Global Appeal Sports, Yusuf Noah noted that they are tapping talents from every county in an effort to promote talents. “The scouts from Europe including head of recruitment from Crystal Palace Football Academy, Sports Director University of Baltimore and Africog Finland will be involved from regionals to get top talents to train in Europe,” he said.
During the tournament, Busia Ajax football team booked a slot in the next round knocking out Butula Eagles 2-0 in the opening match of the Global Appeal Football tournament played at the Busia County Stadium
Jobless FC from the sprawling Marachi estate beat Kifaru FC Kodedema from Teso South 4-2. Masters hammered Burumba Diamond 5-1, Mundulusia beat Kabkara 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Bulanda Youths lost on penalties to Murende Highlanders 2-3 after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In another match played at Busia Polytechnic, Division Two leaders Obucuun Border FC beat Mundika United 2-0 to move to the round of 16. Their goals were scored by Didmus Okumu and Filex Adungul.
The finals will be played on Tuesday where the winning team will pocket Sh30,000 and secure a chance to represent the county at the regionals.
By Absalom Namwalo
