National team Harambee Stars were forced to shift their training to Ruaraka Stadium to allow Cameroon to use the ultra-modern Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani. Cameroon are in the country ahead of an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda in Kigali on Saturday.
Stars head coach Bernard Lama, yesterday termed the move as one of the ‘outside problems’ affecting his team.
« You do not allow a visiting team to use one of your best facilities while your own national team settle for something else, » he said.
However, according to Sam Mwai, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB), the move to allow Cameroon to train at the venue was just for one day. Mwai said allowing Cameroon to use the venue was part of a marketing scheme ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
« We want to market our facilities to the best teams in the world so that they can consider camping here before the 2010 World Cup, » said Mwai. He said the Harambee Stars staff should not complain as they are always free to train at the venue.
« We even offered to put up floodlights for them to train at the venue if the need be, » he said. Apart from the problem with the pitch, Lama also said his side lacked basic support and asked the Kenya Football Federation to do more for them.
He declined to say whether the players have been paid their allowances.
« I will not answer since I have asked the players to focus on the match and put their problems behind them, » he said.
Meanwhile, long serving Cameroon captain Rigobert Song jetted in yesterday to join his team in training.
However, Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o did not arrive as was expected.According to the Cameroon team officials, the striker will jet in this morning.
Elsewhere, gate charges for Harambee Stars match with Eritrea on Saturday will be Sh100 for the terraces and Sh200 for the main stand.
By Standard Correspondent
