Mombasa: Jomvu Member of Parliament Badi Twalib has urged the National and County Government of Mombasa to collaborate and complete the long-stalled renovation of the Mombasa Municipal Stadium. He emphasized that the facility, once complete, should meet FIFA standards to enable Mombasa to host continental competitions.
According to Kenya News Agency, Twalib made the remarks while hosting his constituents at Kwa Ndege ya Badi recreational park, where they watched the Kenya versus Zambia match. Twalib noted that Mombasa was unable to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) due to the lack of a standard stadium and urged the national government to intervene.
Twalib highlighted that Mombasa, being the country's second city after Nairobi, deserves a stadium similar to those in Talanta Nairobi, Kasarani, and Nyayo. He stressed the importance of having a proper sports facility in Mombasa to host events like CHAN and AFCON. Twalib also emphasized the need for sports academies in schools to promote talent development.
He mentioned his collaboration with the County Government to improve sports grounds, noting that a basketball court is under construction in Mikindani Ward. Twalib congratulated the Harambee Stars for their performance under Coach Benni McCarthy and praised the Head of State for supporting the national team.
Twalib stated that improving sports infrastructure and providing proper training kits is essential. He noted that football as a career can be lucrative, citing the President's commitment to rewarding players with cash prizes. Twalib stressed the need to nurture local talent, which he believes is equally competitive.
Additionally, County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Tourism Mohamed Osman commended Twalib's initiative to host football fans unable to travel to Nairobi. Osman assured that the County Government would ensure fans across sub-counties can watch the quarter-final match, highlighting football's unifying power.