NSA Kicks Against “Purported” Rejection Of Cape Coast Stadium By CAF
The National Sports Authority (NSA) says it has not received any official rejection of the Cape Coast Stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for Medeama SC’s campaign as in circulation in the media and thus has kicked against it.
Contrary to the said letter addressed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the NSA said it is convinced the stadium is in good shape and better condition to host CAF inter-club competitions.
According to the Authority which is in charge of the sports facilities in the country, the Medeama has neither notified it of their intention to use the facility in Cape Coast nor did the Ministry of Youth and Sports receive or grant any request for inspection of the facility.
“The Authority therefore rejects outrightly the purported report.”
Additionally, it explained that the said letter cannot be accepted since all units or equipment highlighted as non-existent are present at the stadium.
Stadium In Good Shape
NSA holds that the stadium is in good shape and attained international certification in June 2023 together with the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
“The pitch, the dressing room, medical area, functional floodlight system, approved reserved benches, safety and security access, meeting and conference rooms, CAF coordinators’ room, reference and match commissioners rooms, first aid, medical and other equipment are functional.”
It recalled that the stadium after gaining international status has hosted African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifiers as well as Medeama SC’s preliminary games during the CAF Champions league.
The “Purported” Letter
In said letter addressed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), CAF rejected the Cape Coast Stadium as Medeam’s venue for their home matches in the CAF league.
It said an inspection revealed the stadium does not meet the set CAF stadium minimum requirements to host CAF Senior international matches.
It added that the functionality, design, comfort, and quality of equipment in the stadiums are currently of great concern.
It furthered that stadium requires a facelift to “fit the modern football stadium requirements and standards”.
“As a result, CAF recommends the closure of the stadium for renovations, while ensuring the hiring of experienced companies with a proven track record in the construction and renovation of modern football stadiums that can provide adequate technical consultancy, architectural support, and operational guidance to perform the required upgrades in accordance with CAF requirements.
“In particular, the general refurbishment plan in the stadium should be based on modern architecture, contemporary design, and high-quality materials with a clear project plan and specific timelines.”
