Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor explains why Dandora Stadium should not host league matches
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 03.07.26. | 07:11
Akonnor, who guided Gor Mahia to the 2025-26 league title, watched his side play several matches at the Nairobi County-owned facility with mixed results during the campaign
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has called on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to stop staging FKF Premier League matches at Dandora Stadium
He says the playing surface does not meet the standards required for top-flight football.
Akonnor, who guided Gor Mahia to the 2025-26 league title, watched his side play several matches at the Nairobi County-owned facility with mixed results during the campaign.
While the stadium has become a regular venue since reopening in March 2024 following renovations reportedly costing KSh276 million, the Ghanaian tactician believes the quality of the pitch remains a major concern.
“When we were asked to go to Dandora, the field is not really appropriate for the league.
If you asked me, I would say authorities must not allow these games to be played in such areas,” Akonnor said on Gor TV while reflecting on the challenges he encountered during his first season in Kenyan football.
The former Ghana international also questioned the suitability of other venues, including Wang'uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County, where Gor Mahia suffered defeat to Tusker.
He argued that some playing surfaces fall below the standards expected in the FKF Premier League.
“Areas where we also lost to Tusker and there were other few areas, we played our first FKF Cup match, the field was not adequate for a league like ours in Kenya.
There were a few things that were challenging but we managed and now that we have managed it, I can complain to the authorities,” he added.
Dandora Stadium, a 4,000-seat facility, boasts a FIFA-standard artificial turf and modern floodlights.
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The venue underwent a major facelift after refurbishment works initiated during the tenure of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko before being officially opened by Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The ground has hosted numerous league matches since the closure of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums for CHAN preparations.
Despite Akonnor's criticism, Dandora is expected to remain a key venue next season, with the country's main stadiums set to continue undergoing upgrades ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFC ON)