Nyayo National Stadium is undergoing an intensive 10-day pitch maintenance and rejuvenation programme following a demanding sporting calendar that saw the facility host several major international and local competitions.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsSports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi announced the exercise, describing it as a well-deserved break for the stadium after months of hosting sporting spectacles and welcoming thousands of fans."From hosting the HSBC SVNS 2 in February, the FIFA Women's Series and Kip Keino Classic in April, the Athletics Kenya National Trials for the Commonwealth Games in June, to the Safari Sevens in October, Nyayo has faithfully opened her gates and rolled out her green carpet for one major sporting spectacle after another," Mwangi stated.##NAJAVA_MECA_10077483##The maintenance exercise is an elaborate programme designed to restore the playing surface, improve its quality and strengthen its ability to withstand the demands of elite sporting competition.According to Mwangi, the work will involve verticutting and fine cutting, followed by hollow-core aeration, several rounds of top dressing, light rolling and solid-tining aeration. The programme will also include weed and anti-fungal spraying, followed by fertiliser application to nourish the turf.The interventions are intended to improve drainage, strengthen the root system and cultivate a healthier, stronger and more resilient playing surface.Gor Mahia miss Ksh 1 million gate collection mark in defeat to KCB"Beyond the pampering, every intervention has a purpose: improving drainage, strengthening the root system and cultivating a healthier, stronger and more resilient playing surface," Mwangi added.The pitch will also be allowed a day of rest during the maintenance programme to give the grass time to settle, recover and regain its lush green appearance while developing the strength needed to withstand the demands of elite sporting competition.The ongoing works have temporarily affected the stadium's availability for football matches, forcing FKF Premier League sides to seek alternative venues last weekend.Harambee Stars winger features in Spain as Anyembe is benched in DenmarkAFC Leopards hosted Kakamega Homeboyz at Wang'uru Stadium in Mwea, registering a 2-0 victory, while Gor Mahia suffered their first defeat of the season after going down 2-1 to KCB at Moi Stadium in Embu.It remains unclear whether Nyayo National Stadium will be available to host matches this coming weekend as the 10-day maintenance programme continues.The facility is also expected to serve as one of Kenya's training venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), further highlighting the importance of maintaining its playing surface as the country prepares to co-host the continental showpiece.##NAJAVA_MECA_10077513##Mwangi described Nyayo as one of Kenya's iconic sporting landmarks, noting that its playing surface requires proper care to ensure it remains capable of hosting major international competitions."Rest, rejuvenate and glow again. The world is soon coming to curtsy in your presence," he concluded.Recovering Harambee Stars striker suffers fresh injury setback in Europe
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