Kenya: Congo Chief Unhappy With Sudden Hike of Ground Fee

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Phillip Mbaji

18 March 2011

A ROW over payment for the venue of this weekend’s match between Mombasa- based Kenya Premier League Congo United and Ulinzi Stars has emerged following the sudden hiking of hiring fee from Sh40,000 to Sh50,000 only a two days before the much.

Congo United chairman Fadhil Bayusuf yesterday said the team was required to pay the new amount before the match tomorrow.Bayusuf who expressed confidence they will manage to raise the amount required to hire the newly refurbished Kenya Ports Authority’s Mbaraki Sports Club ground however, appealed to the managers of the facility to reduce the fee.”We are a local team with limited finances therefore raising the amount abruptly inconveniences us. But we are appealing to the authorities in charge to reduce the fee,” Bayusuf said.

Bayusuf said Congo are in upbeat moodahead of the match against the KPL champions saying their record clearly shows they are up to the task and should not be taken for granted.”We are fully prepared for the face off. We do not fear Ulinzi. We know that with the support of our fans we will make it over the weekend,” he said.

So far Congo United boys have drawn against Awendo’s Sony Sugar (1-1) and Rangers (0-0) and lost to Tusker (1-2).Bayusuf who appealed to Coast fans to turn up in large numbers to cheer the team up has appealed for fair officiating. “If the refereing is fair, I can assure Coast fans Congo United will make them happy,” he said.

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