Kitui-based Division One side Dynamo FC have shifted their home ground to the newly constructed Ithookwe Stadium.
Dynamo FC have in the past struggled due to a lack of a proper training facility, and Ithookwe Stadium will come in handy.
Dynamo FC coach Josephat Kelly revealed the club held talks with the stadium management on the use of the facility as their home ground. “The stadium will be handed over to the county government upon its completion. We had a structured dialogue with them on the accessibility of the stadium as our alternative home ground, and we have agreed in principle.”
Besides being their home ground, the 10,000-seater stadium will help in nurturing and growing talent in the region. “This is one of the modern stadiums we have in Kitui. It will host international sporting tournaments and fast-track our desire to nurture and grow talents in the region and beyond.”
Dynamo FC have been hosting their home matches at visitors' grounds due to a lack of a standard playing ground, thus incurring hefty bills in travelling costs.
Kelly believes the team’s spirit will be boosted more in front of their cheering fans, describing it as a home advantage. “We’ve been yearning for a fan base for a while, since we have been playing away from home. Having Ithookwe Stadium as our home ground will influence our performance. I am sure playing at our home ground in front of our fans will boost players' morale and desire to do better. I can not explain how long we have yearned for the home advantage,” he said.
He believes fluctuating income from gate collection fees at Ithookwe Stadium will help minimise revenue volatility. “For our home matches at Ithookwe Stadium, we will start charging an entry fee. We must install this for financial sustainability and a better tomorrow.”
