Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Al-Madinah Stadium Construction Raises Kigezi Homeboys’ Hopes for Improved UPL Performance

Homeboys FC officials and players are optimistic that the ongoing construction of Al-Madinah Stadium in Kabale Municipality will improve the club’s performance in the Uganda Premier League (UPL) by giving the team a home-ground advantage and increased support from fans.

The club, which is competing in the 2026/2027 Uganda Premier League season, is currently hosting its home matches at Rwamwanja Stadium in Kamwenge District after its traditional home ground, Al-Madinah Stadium, formerly known as Ndorwa Grounds, failed to meet the required standards for hosting top-flight football matches.

The temporary relocation has presented challenges for the team, with officials and players saying the absence of a home ground in Kabale has affected their preparations, performance and ability to benefit from local fan support.

Kigezi Homeboys team manager Boaz Arinaitwe, alongside Brian Akankwasa and Kefa Kisala, said playing their matches away from their home region had been a major challenge for the club.

They described the situation as a difficult experience, explaining that travelling to host matches in Kamwenge had disrupted the team’s usual home-match arrangements and deprived players of the advantage that comes with playing before their supporters.

The officials expressed hope that the completion of Al-Madinah Stadium would provide the team with a suitable venue to host its home matches, improve its competitiveness and strengthen its relationship with supporters in the Kigezi sub-region.

Kigezi Homeboys captain James Tukei and Seith Gabriel said having a stadium in Kabale would give the players greater motivation, particularly when competing in front of their home fans.

They noted that the encouragement from local supporters could help boost the players’ confidence and morale, potentially translating into better results during home fixtures.

Gabriel also said the stadium would provide the club with an opportunity to generate additional revenue by hosting community activities and other events when football matches are not taking place.

According to the players, the facility would therefore serve not only as a football venue but also as an important community asset capable of supporting the club’s long-term development.

They called on residents, football fans, local leaders and other stakeholders in the Kigezi sub-region to continue supporting Kigezi Homeboys, emphasising that the club represents the wider community.

The players said sustained community backing would be important in helping the team overcome its current challenges and establish itself in Uganda’s top-flight football competition.

The construction of Al-Madinah Stadium is expected to cost more than Shs1.5 billion, although further details on the project’s completion timeline and the date when the facility will be ready to host Uganda Premier League matches were not provided.

Once completed and approved to meet the required football standards, the stadium is expected to give Kigezi Homeboys a permanent home venue in Kabale, reducing the burden of playing away from the region and bringing top-flight football closer to local supporters.

For the club, the completion of the facility represents an important step towards improving performance, strengthening its financial position and expanding its connection with the community it represents.

ENDS/////

You may like

AFCON 2027: Will Uganda’s three new stadiums become ‘White Elephants’?

dailyexpress.co.ug 23 hours ago

Akii-Bua Stadium Hits 85% Completion, January 2027 Handover Targeted

ankoletimes.co.ug 15 hours ago

U17 Women’s World Cup: Morocco puts its infrastructure at the service of African and world football

kawowo.com 16 hours ago

CAF grants Heroes Stadium temporary approval

diggers.news 1 day ago

11 years, nine trophies: Peter Magambo bids KCCA farewell

kawowo.com 14 hours ago

Families v loyal fans - women's football's attendance dilemma

bbc.com 1 hour ago