Bankroller of Ghana Premier League side Karela United Haruna Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South Constituency, is concerned about the cost and expense incurred with playing home matches in Nalerigu in the North East Region.
Karela United had used the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale for their home games, together with Real Tamale United, but both had to relocate mid-season last year due to the poor nature of the pitch.
The team, therefore, chose the Naa Sheriga Sports Stadium in Nalerigu as their home venue for the 2024/25 season.
They lost by a lone goal to Asante Kotoko at the grounds in the opening-day fixture.
Speaking in an interview with Onua Sports on Wednesday, September 18, the former Minority Leader was worried the movement to Nalerigu feels like a punishment.
”Even [with] Karela [United], I cannot use Tamale [stadium] because the Aliu Mahama Stadium is in such a deplorable state and we are using Nalerigu,” he acknowledged.
”We are being punished because it is more costly and more expensive for teams to travel down there to Nalerigu and many clubs are unhappy about it but we are managing in the time being.”
He added that the board and management of Karela United will soon meet to decide on relocating the team back to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.
A recent decision by the National Sports Authority (NSA) to shut down major sports venues for renovation works has seen most Premier League clubs struggling for venues.
Former champions Hearts of Oak, for instance, recently decided to adopt the University of Ghana Sports Stadium as home grounds due to the temporary closure of the Accra Sports Stadium.
Hearts of Oak opt for UG Sports Stadium for home matches; Accra Lions too
