Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen takes a penalty at IAAF
Bomet Stadium /HANDOUT
The IAAF Bomet Stadium will be upgraded to host Kenyan Premier League games next season, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.
Murkomen, patron of newly promoted Premier League side Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet, made the announcement when he inspected the facility. APS Bomet are fondly known as the Black Berets.
The CS said immediate plans include construction of changing rooms, inner perimeter fence, and drainage system.
However, the facility is unlikely to be ready to host KPL matches when the season kicks off on September 20.
“The playing surface, inner perimeter fence, and changing rooms need to be revamped before the stadium can host (KPL) matches. As the club’s patron, I’m mobilising resources to ensure they can compete and win trophies,” said the CS.
The CS said having two teams from the disciplined forces in the country’s top flight is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and professionalism of the police service.
“Investing in them supports talent development and fosters a better police-community relationship,” noted the CS, an avid footballer and a Manchester United fan.
He was accompanied by Bomet County Senator Hillary Sigei, DIG-APS Gilbert Masengeli, Bomet Deputy Governor Shadrack Rotich and Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund CEO, Nuh Ibrahim.
The club has named Bishop Fred Akama as the chairman, while the management is in the process of assembling a management board.
Meanwhile, former Gor Mahia assistant coach Michael Nam is the new APS head coach. Evans Mafuta, who helped the club qualify for the Premier League, will remain as an assistant coach. He holds a CAF ‘B’ licence, while FKF regulations require Premier League head coaches to have a CAF ‘A’ licence.
“Coach Nam brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the league that we believe will elevate our team to new heights,” the club said in a statement on their social media.
The club recently unveiled Family Bank as the new sponsor for their debut season in the top tier.
