A Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League match was played at a rainswept stadium as El Nino continues to intensify countrywide.
The match between Kenyan topflight teams Kakamega Homeboyz and Posta Rangers was played at a flooded Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega on Thursday, November 3.
Notably, a section of Kenyans online has reacted after a viral video of the FKF Premier League match being played at the flooded pitch surfaced online.
In the video seen by The Kenya Times, players from both sides could be seen struggling to cope due to the bad state of the pitch.
El Nino causes havoc
In addition, the flow of the game was also affected as even basic ground passes could not be fully completed due to the stagnant water.
Also Read: Video Shows Chopper’s Attempt to Rescue Stranded El Nino Victims
The Kenya Meteorological Department– KMD had earlier announced that the ongoing rains attributed to the El Nino are expected to extend into January 2024 in some parts of the country.
In a weather outlook report on Wednesday, November 1, the weatherman reported that most parts of the country will continue receiving above average rainfall for the next three months.
The rains, according to the report, will be driven by the previously predicted El Nino conditions and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
Players defy the odds
However, the match went on as Posta Rangers climbed to the top of the league with twenty points, a point above reigning champion Gor Mahia.
Moses Shumah gave Homeboyz an early lead in the seventh minute as he scored his fourth goal of the season having made 9 appearances.
Homeboyz, who stand 10th on the league table with twelve points, did not hold on to the lead for long though.
Man of the match, Bernard Ondiek responded for the mailers as he levelled things in the 30th minute.
The video drew mixed reactions from fans online with some questioning why the league officials allowed the match to go on despite the poor state.
All Connect Radio, a user on X, (formerly Twitter) questioned the country’s readiness in hosting the continental tournament stating, “Are we ready as a country to host AFCON?”
“Love for the game, risking players’ health or poor stadium management? Your take?”, he went on to pose.
Luhya Dollar, another user, on the other hand made fun of the video stating “Kakamega Homeboyz vs Posta Rangers, Bukhungu was a lake.”
AFCON preparation
Another fan, Sapio added humor to the situation asking if these are the same pitches that Kenya anticipates stars such as Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah to play in.
Also Read: Blunders That Cost Kenya AFCON 1996 Hosting Rights After Winning Bid
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) accepted a joint bid by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
In an event held on Wednesday, September 27, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced that Kenya will host the competition alongside neighboring countries Tanzania and Uganda.
“The 2027 version is going to be beautiful. The commitment and drive made by the three presidents of the countries shows how eager the region is to host this event,” said Motsepe.
