Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally approved St Mary’s Stadium Kitende – the home of Vipers Sports Club, to host the 2022 World Cup qualifier games for the Uganda Cranes ending speculations of hosting games in neighbouring countries.
FIFA’s earlier inspection had indicated that St Mary’s Stadium did not have floodlights and proper roads to the facility. The Association had urged that the stadium be worked on but this has been ditched, allowing Uganda Cranes to host their home games at home.
“Waking up to the news that St Mary’s Stadium has been approved by CAF to host World Cup Games, this is a wonderful achievement. It was going to be an embarrassment to the Nation for Cranes to host games away. Government can now help work on the access road to the stadium,” the head of communications at Vipers, Abdu Wasike said.
St Mary’s Kitende also hosted two of Uganda Cranes’ Afcon 2021 qualifier games.
In March last year, FIFA barred Namboole from hosting the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers after inspection of the facility citing substandard toilet facilities, playground, pavilion and dressing rooms.
Sports Minister, Hamson Obua, said that they need about Shs96b to renovate Namboole stadium.
Uganda is in group E for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers alongside neighbours Kenya and Rwanda, and West African giant Mali.
