After four years of football inactivity, the historic Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County came alive once again, hosting the season-ending Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One clash between Nakuru Bucks and Zoo Kericho on Sunday.
The return of football to the iconic venue rekindled fond memories for fans and players alike, as thousands turned out to witness the thrilling 3-3 draw between the two sides.
The match marked a significant milestone for the stadium, thanks in part to pressure from local football enthusiasts who lobbied the Nakuru County government to reopen the facility.
The stadium’s long-overdue completion has been a source of frustration, with youth protests highlighting the sluggish progress of the Sh700 million renovation project, partially funded by the World Bank.
Launched on April 30, 2021, the upgrades were initially projected to be completed within 18 months. However, work has been progressing at a slow pace, and the stadium remains incomplete—with missing seats, crucial sporting equipment in dressing rooms, and an unfinished football pitch.
“It was a sweet memory playing our final league match at Afraha Stadium, where I started my football career,” said Teddy Siwa, head coach of Nakuru Bucks, after the dramatic encounter.
Nakuru Bucks found the net through Teddy Osikol, Wyne Odhiambo, and Derrick Langat, while Zoo Kericho responded with goals from Edwin Namasaka, Julius Onyango, and Fabias Oduor.
Dennis Ongeri of Zoo Kericho (left) dribbles past a Nakuru Bucks player during their FKF Division One Zone B match at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru on May 18, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Mureithi | Nation Media Group
Siwa, a former Transcom FC player and son of ex-defender Philip Siwa, praised the decision to return football to Afraha.
“The reopening of Afraha Stadium for football matches is a brilliant idea, as our fans will no longer have to travel to Nakuru Showground to watch our matches next season,” he said.
Reflecting on the season, Siwa acknowledged the team's struggles, particularly in the latter stages of matches.
“Most of our games during the second leg, we have lost grip and ended up registering disappointing draws in matches that we should have collected maximum points,” he said.
“This lack of concentration in the last minutes of the game is something that I will work on as we prepare for the new season. These are learning moments that will help the technical bench make useful adjustments.”
Nakuru Bucks ended the campaign in eighth place with 40 points, falling short of their goal to secure promotion to the National Super League.
“We had set our targets to be promoted to the National Super League, but unfortunately, we shall go back to the drawing board,” said Siwa.
He attributed part of the team’s inconsistency to the mid-season loss of key players, including Mark Oduor (Shabana FC), Tony Musa (Kariobangi Sharks), and Hillary Ndombi (Sofapaka).
However, the situation offered opportunities to test emerging talent.
“The loss of key players allowed me to test new players who are fitting well into the team,” Siwa added, noting that he will seek to strengthen the squad during the upcoming transfer window with a striker, defenders, and a goalkeeper.
“I thank the management of Hotel Waterbuck for trusting me with the team. It was a learning moment. I have learnt a lot from fans who want good results, and my promise to them is to deliver good results next season.”
Zoo Kericho head coach Herman Mukhaya Esekwha echoed Siwa's sentiments about the stadium’s atmosphere, recalling past glories.
“Playing at Afraha Stadium rekindled sweet memories when my side used to beat big boys of the Kenya Premier League like Tusker, Ulinzi Stars, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards,” Mukhaya said.
“I was happy when Nakuru Bucks said we shall play them at Afraha Stadium. The fans were entertained with good football, and I would love to come back next season at the same venue.”
Zoo Kericho finished 10th with 34 points, and Mukhaya praised his youthful squad, which includes several secondary school students.
“We started the league on mixed fortunes, and finishing 10th with 34 points was a remarkable achievement. Our target was to remain in the league, and come next season, Zoo Kericho will transform into a lethal side that terrorises Premier League teams,” he said.
“We have played in this third-tier league for almost three years, and time is now ripe for us to climb to the National Super League next season.”
Mukhaya said the team will also be active in the transfer market, especially in search of a striker and a goalkeeper.
