Comoros’ football governing bodies are striving to rectify the situation at Stade Malouzini, with the looming threat of suspension casting a shadow over the Coelacanthe’s prospects in the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Five years since its inauguration, the Malouzini Stadium in Iconi, Comoros, finds itself at the center of a storm, with FIFA standards unmet and crucial renovations pending.
Said Ali Said Athouman, president of the Comorian Football Federation, sheds light on the predicament in an exclusive interview with Africa Foot United.
“The benches have been ordered and for the lawn, there is a problem of water supply by the public establishment SONED,” Said Athouman explained, addressing the key issues contributing to the stadium’s downgrade threat.
“But we also had to request quotes from several service providers abroad to help us improve the said lawn and also train the agents assigned to its maintenance.”
Following months of inertia, an emergency meeting convened, culminating in the formation of a joint supervisory commission.
Athouman underscores the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders to expedite renovations and ensure the Coelacanthe’s home matches proceed as scheduled.
“The state of the pitch and the substitutes’ benches are not up to standard,” Athouman remarked, highlighting the critical areas requiring attention.
Efforts are now underway to streamline operations and accelerate progress.
Athouman assures stakeholders’ commitment to overcoming challenges and meeting deadlines, crucially aiming for readiness ahead of the AFCON qualifiers in September.
“We will do our best to be ready for the AFCON qualifiers in September,” Athouman affirmed, echoing the collective determination to address deficiencies and uphold the nation’s footballing aspirations.
As the clock ticks, Coelacanthe fans remain hopeful, pinning their hopes on a successful resolution that will ensure their team’s participation in the prestigious AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
With CAF’s inspection looming in July, the pressure is on to restore Stade Malouzini to its former glory and safeguard Comoros’ footballing future.
