Oda Stadium not ready, Lions' venue praised - GFA club licensing manager Esme Mends

GFA club licensing manager Esme Mends has disclosed that the pitch in Oda is not up to the required standard, putting its readiness for the upcoming season in doubt.

However, he commended Lions for their impressive work on their venue.

The GFA's Club Licensing Department began inspecting facilities submitted by elite clubs for the 2024/25 season on Thursday, August 8th, 2024. New regulations require clubs to provide main venues, alternative venues, and training facilities.

"If you look at the Oda stadium I am not sure it is ready it hasn't reached the standard we are looking for so we have given them time to do it well if they don't don't it well believe me this season football will not take place there," he told Peace FM as monitored by Footballghana.com

"Most of the centers are not approved yet because there are little things to be added if you look at Lions they have done a great job I am very very satisfied with their venue but they have to added a little thing to it to complete it because they are a Premier side.

"If you go and look at the wor they have done it is satisfying Aliu Mahama for example is not ready the pitch has reached the standard we are looking forward everything else though they have done some work there is something little to be done there.

"There is the but factor if the but factor is taken away I believe some centers will be ready but some are not ready,"