After two years of extensive renovations, Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole, is set to host two Uganda Premier League (UPL) matches as part of its readiness assessment.
The selected fixtures will feature the highly-anticipated Kampala derby between KCCA FC and SC Villa, as well as a clash between Bidco FC and the Kitende-based club Vipers SC. Scheduled for May 1, 2024, one match will take place during the day, while the other will be held under the floodlights at night.
The decision to conduct these matches serves as a crucial test event before the official reopening of the stadium.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) says these events are required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before granting approval for hosting international games.
Despite previous concerns raised by CAF regarding the stadium’s readiness, FUFA Deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza remains optimistic. While acknowledging challenges such as unfinished floodlights, Kiiza expresses confidence that negotiations with CAF will yield positive results, enabling Namboole to host upcoming Uganda Cranes World Cup qualifying fixtures.
The last time Uganda Cranes played at Namboole was in November 2019, before the facility was deemed unfit for international matches and underwent renovation.
During this renovation period, Uganda Cranes sought refuge at St. Mary’s Stadium-Kitende. However, even this alternative venue failed to meet CAF’s requirements, leading to Uganda Cranes playing home games away from home.
By selecting teams with significant followings and competitive spirit, FUFA aims to ensure a thorough evaluation of Namboole’s capabilities.
Fans eagerly anticipate the return of football to Namboole, and these test matches serve as a key moment in Uganda’s football landscape.
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