Haruna Iddrisu, the owner of Ghana Premier League club Karela United and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, has expressed serious concerns over the high costs and logistical challenges his team faces due to their relocation to Nalerigu in the North East Region. This move came as a result of the deteriorating condition of the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, which Karela United previously shared with Real Tamale United.
Due to the poor state of the pitch at the Aliu Mahama Stadium, both teams were forced to find alternative home grounds midway through the previous season. Karela United selected the Naa Sheriga Sports Stadium in Nalerigu as their temporary home venue for the 2024/25 season. However, this shift has created numerous difficulties for the club, both in terms of finances and travel logistics.
In Karela United’s debut match at their new home in Nalerigu, the team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Asante Kotoko. Following the match, Haruna Iddrisu voiced his frustration in an interview with Onua Sports on September 18, 2024. He described the relocation to Nalerigu as a financial strain on the club, as well as a burden on other teams who now have to travel a considerable distance to play matches there.
Iddrisu emphasized that the move feels like a form of punishment due to the increased costs associated with playing in Nalerigu. “Even with Karela United, I cannot use the Tamale stadium because the Aliu Mahama Stadium is in such a deplorable state, and we are now using Nalerigu,” he lamented. “We are being punished because it is more costly for teams to travel to Nalerigu, and many clubs are unhappy about it. We are managing for now.”
The financial implications of this move are evident, as the club now has to allocate more resources for travel and accommodation, not just for themselves but also for visiting teams. The increased distance and travel time also impact the team’s preparation and performance, further compounding the challenges.
Iddrisu also revealed that the board and management of Karela United are actively considering relocating back to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium once the necessary renovations are completed. This decision will depend largely on the progress of the stadium’s repairs and whether the pitch will be restored to a condition suitable for top-flight football.
The situation at Karela United reflects a broader issue affecting many clubs in the Ghana Premier League. The National Sports Authority’s decision to close several major sports venues for renovation has left teams scrambling for alternative home grounds. This has led to a significant disruption in the league, as clubs are forced to play in unfamiliar or less accessible locations.
One prominent example of this is Accra-based club Hearts of Oak, who have opted to use the University of Ghana Sports Stadium as their temporary home ground due to the ongoing closure of the Accra Sports Stadium for renovation. The disruptions caused by these relocations have raised concerns about the long-term impact on the league, as clubs struggle to adapt to new venues and deal with the associated logistical challenges.
For Karela United, the move to Nalerigu has undoubtedly been a tough transition. The club, which has been steadily building its reputation in the Ghana Premier League, now faces the added pressure of managing the financial and logistical burden of playing in a remote location. The costs of maintaining a competitive team, combined with the added expenses of travel and accommodation, are stretching the club’s resources.
Moreover, the inconvenience of traveling to Nalerigu is not limited to Karela United. Other Premier League teams must also bear the burden of traveling long distances to play their away matches. This situation has sparked discontent among several clubs, who feel that the current arrangement is unsustainable.
Haruna Iddrisu’s concerns reflect the frustration felt by many club owners and managers across the league. The closure of major sports venues for renovation, while necessary, has created a ripple effect that is impacting the entire league. Clubs are calling for greater support from the National Sports Authority and the government to ensure that these renovations are completed in a timely manner and that clubs can return to their traditional home grounds as soon as possible.
In the meantime, Karela United will have to continue to manage their situation in Nalerigu, despite the challenges. The club’s management is hopeful that a return to the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium will be possible in the near future, once the necessary improvements are made to the pitch and facilities.
As the Ghana Premier League season progresses, it remains to be seen how these relocation challenges will affect the performance of teams like Karela United. For now, Haruna Iddrisu and his club are focused on navigating the difficulties and ensuring that they remain competitive in the league, despite the obstacles in their path.
