AFC Leopards v/s Gor Mahia - KPL's Main Highlight this weekend

Kenya's Premier League's started in earnest and this weekend the biggest derby in the country's history unfolds on Sunday at 1500hours.

AFC Leopards v/s Gor Mahia in a past game - image courtesy of www.futaa.com

This season though, AFC Leopards are currently the fastest kids off the blocks, having won 4 out of their first 5 matches. They had some signings in the off-season which have seen them scalping every team in their wake.
Allan Wanga's been their starry-eyed player for the moment for AFC. He's scored  in all except one match including a delightful free-kick against Ulinzi FC in February which saw him voted by sports journalist as the Kandanda Player of the Month ( taking home trophy & 10,000 to boot). He has ably taken off the load of scoring which had been left to Mike Barasa for the better part of last season. Along with other new signings, the team seems to be gelling faster than the rest. The good tidings for Jan 'Wephukulu' Koops also seem to be pouring onto the team's fortunes as they did for the latter part of last season. Modest financial backing from sponsors as well as favourable ticket sales from match-days have seen the financials fortunes of the club stabilise in the short-term.
Gor Mahia on the other hand have not been able to secure good results which has resulted in the sacking of its entire technical bench. The team's currently placed 14th, two places from the bottom of the table standings. With the team being bundled out of continental championship and the 'colossal' expectations of its huge fan-base, the players will have pride to fight for in this fixture. Their off-season signings have taken long to cobble up a formidable team but if they have the patience, they will be rewarded in good time.
Last season's similar fixture saw Gor Mahia beat AFC by 3-1 only for the latter to reverse the results by 3-0 margin. As always the stakes are high for both teams { who's fans affectionately call each other shemeji - (cousins) thanks to the political alignments and geographical proximity of majority of the fans }.

For you the discerning Kenyan football fan, this is surely not to be missed and if in the unlikely event you can't make it to the Nyayo National Stadium, catch the action on SuperSport 9 East Africa !

Check out this blog which aggregates news about AFC Leopards team activities and games, pre-match and post-match analysis. As for Gor Mahia, this link might help too!

After 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, can Kenya find its place in 2013 ?

As the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stages this weekend, Kenya will be once again ruing its chances of having not qualified for the continent's biggest football showpiece. While much aplomb came towards the end of the qualifiers as the country faced off with its fierce neighbour Uganda, the die had already been cast and not much of a miracle was going to happen anyway.

Football Kenya - image courtesy of  Football Kenya Limited

Well, the first Africa Cup of Nations in an odd year will be back next year hopefully landing at South Africa in less than 20 years. What gives?

a) First the top football body in Kenya finally held elections and new officials have fresh mandate and endorsement from majority of the game's stakeholders. This goodwill ought to be exploited and trickled down to the national team.

b) With the Football Kenya Federation, indicating its willingness to work with the Harambee Stars Management Board, structures ought to be in place to ensure the team has maximum corporate support and technical support to see the team through the qualifiers.

c) Address branding and sponsorship issues as early as possible. In December 2011, a new uniform kit was launched to reflect the country's colours and though not all of us like it, it ought to be more stable than we've had in the past. Full disclosure too ought to be made to avoid situations of missing kits and mismatching uniforms for international fixtures.

d) Technical bench - One major flaw that was made in the last 1 year was having a technical bench which was led by a coach who also managed a top club. Given the demands of both jobs, we could even say he gave it a good shot but well we won't remember missed opportunities. Give the bench their contracts and ensure their pay's on time to avoid Antoine Hey's scenarios and such shenanigans.

e) Stadium facilities - With the biggest stadium in the country coming to completion from repairs, it's about time the national team got used to this venue as the hunting ground for valuable home points. This venue has been a good motivator to the boys maybe its the softer ground or maybe its the 60,000 + fans that would flock it at its maximum...

f)  Club versus country - this problem cropped up during the 2011 season where some clubs felt aggrieved that the national team kept requesting for their players and some usually came back with serious injuries. Case in point is Arnold Origi - one of Kenya's best goal-keepers who's called it quits on the national team due such incidences. The calendar should indicate ample time for players to adjust from club to national team engagements.

g) Government engagement - Its about time the Government became a little more proactive in rallying support for national teams representing the country in any sport. Football a sport for the larger majority is the greatest unifier in this respect. We all saw the vibe it created when Kenya played its last qualification game against Uganda in Kampala last year. We can muster the same support albeit on a continuous basis. Kenyan people, its about time you elected a sports-crazed head of state....

 29th of February is a little over 2 weeks, FKF and all you who ought to make Kenyan football happen, the journey to 2013 Africa Cup of Nations starts NOW!

‘Richest’ Football Clubs– Top 5 in Kenya Premier League (UPDATED)

Midway through the season we take another look at the Kenyan football clubs and what we could say is their modest worth. This is because most of the clubs have held their books so tightly and secretively and there is such fluidity in the financial situation that the only way we have sourced this information is through media reports and respective club websites (albeit where they provide minimal details) {NB: TV revenues and advertising revenues from SuperSport NOT accounted for, along with bonuses}

1. AFC LEOPARDS – this is unexpected but this is helped in large by the club’s recent media deal with Smart TV which will ensure the club has dedicated media coverage from games to behind the scenes, to archived material through Ingwe TV. This makes it the first club in Kenya to have a dedicated channel comparable to European clubs. It has also launched a magazine hoping to attract advertising revenue and engage readers. There is the KShs.15 million deal with Mumias Sugar signed in February as well as the AAR health insurance deal worth KShs.1.5 million. { There is the 60 million 3-year TV deal match-day ticketing and merchandising worth about KShs.2 million}

Estimated Worth: KShs.98.5 million

2. GOR MAHIA FC – this is Kenya’s most successful and talked about club. It is also has quite some history though much of the aura around it is both mythical and too hyped. Landing a huge sponsorship worth KShs. 38 million just before the start of the season, the club also has the fastest selling jerseys as well as healthy match-day attendance. On average there are between 5000-10,000 fans attending each game whichever day of the week. {From 2-year sponsorship deal; average attendance of 7500 each paying KShs.100 for 30 games; along with merchandising}

Estimated Worth: KShs. 60 million

3. MATHARE UNITED – this club has been a darling of many corporate firms and had topped our earlier List. This is in sponsorship deals worth about KShs.30 million that the club has attracted from corporate such as Kenya Data Networks (KDN), Real Insurance among others. It also has benefactors through its chairperson Bob Munro who influences not just the club but KPL as well.

Estimated Worth: KShs. 52.5 million

4. SOFAPAKA FC – the season had started with much promise and the club looked headed for continental glory and the bounty that comes along with it but this ended last weekend. Having secured sponsorship from Portland Cement, the club has firmly rooted itself atop of the league and also has some following of sorts from its many fans.

Estimated Worth: KShs. 36.75 million

5. THIKA UNITED – it is the largest club coming from Central Kenya and has the support of milk processing firm Brookside Milk worth around KShs. 15 million. Couple this with the merchandising and other minor sponsorship deals, the club is surely among the top earners in the country.

Estimated Worth: KShs. 30.5 million

We shall be reviewing this at the end of the season and see what changes shall be made. By then too the relevant financial bodies and sports marketing and business agencies will have been consulted and more conclusive figures released. The future of the Kenyan football game surely has some positive developments amidst the difficulties in administration.

Breaking News - Gor Mahia Finally lands Sponsorship

Thanks to the social media platforms and my able brother @philipogola for this. Gor Mahia has finally broken the duck since the revamped KPL and secured sponsorship for the next two seasons. Reports coming through indicate the team has secured Tuzo ( manufactured by SpinKnit Dairy -which was bought out by Brookside a few years ago). Figures reported are KShs. 38 million but we shall give you the full details as and when confirmed.  Shirt sponsorship. This is the biggest of its kind in the game and promises an interesting season.

NOTE:
SpinKnit Dairy merged Brookside Milk and completed the merger last year. Brookside sponsors another KPL side Thika United and now with this sponsorship makes them the biggest corporate investor in the sport. Analysts say the Gor sponsorship is meant to build the brand Tuzo which has been on the decline in the last few months with the glut of milk processing firms in the country.
Whatever is said, the sponsorship is hoped to build the club which has long been a sponsor's dilemma with the largest following in the country but also some of the most passionate fans & sometimes indisciplined fans.

Brazilian EA Expo - Samba comes to town...

In March 2011, the Brazilian EA Expo comes to Nairobi with a flurry of activities mainly on the sports arena. The finals of the Kenya Youth Football League which started in January 2011 comes to an end ; there shall be coaching clinics held by 4-6 Brazilian tacticians ; a Brazilian football club shall play a Kenyan counter-part with a Samba troupe expected to grace either or two of these occasions.

Brazilian Samba Dancers - image courtesy of www.flirkr.com 

Along with this, there shall be a Brazilian art display at the KICC. This shall take place from the 26th of March 2011. Organisers of this event include BrazGroup (which has an interesting name featured, one Maina Kariuki - wonder whether it's the former KFF Chair?), Sadili Oval - a local youth talent development centre; along with EA Brazil Limited ; the Brazilian Embassy in Kenya and Carlson Wagonlit Travel. For more details, you can check the details here.

Sofapaka qualifies for next round of Confed Cup, but should we celebrate?

Over the weekend, the Kenyan football scene was keenly following one of country's representatives in continental challenge, Sofapaka ( of course there was the bungled AFC Leopards elections). Having played to a barren draw in the Angolan capital to Aviacao, the team had the home advantage to play with. But it took more than the regular 90 regular play for the team to be able to break the country's jinxed continental challenge.

Sofapaka Logo - courtesy of www.sofapaka.com

But once the next opponent was confirmed, I think there will be little to celebrate. Ismaily from the Egyptian city of Ismailia. Coincidentally this is the same team they played last year in the CAF Champions League and came undone in the 2nd round losing 2-0 after holding the team to a barren draw in Nairobi.
Our local clubs performance against the North African teams has been dismal to say the least and our current representatives in the CAF Champions League Ulinzi are evidence to the gap we have to close to have any chance of playing in the next round(s) of continental Cups.
If 'batoto ba Mungu' are going to sharpen their attack and hopefully make good their home advantage winning by 2-3 goals without conceding, chances are that they might get close to beating their perennial rivals. That's when we shall celebrate their win...


In Other News:
What happened to Francis Kimanzi's appointment as coach of the team? He may be the factor waiting to beat the North Africans. His technical abilities and past experience would come in handy for the team's continental engagements ( no offence to fashionable Ezekiel Akwana) 

Football Fanaticism...let's not take it too far

Over the weekend during a local Kenya Premier League game between Gor-KCB ( one which I thought of attending but some family issues made it otherwise) a local fan lost his life . Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and the friends as well as football fans of the famed club.

This not withstanding, the same club has a game tomorrow pitting it with last year's winners Sofapaka . The week-day games have become great crowd pullers and as such it would be a great way for the city football fans to make their way to the stadium. The game is expected to be a thriller though some fans are throwing their protestations too loud for the others.

Now I win the $10,000 bet - Football fan runs onto Nemanja Vidic 

But a worrying trend is emerging especially with some of the clubs and their fans taking their antics both on and off the field too far. Early this year, some fans harassed others from rival clubs if they had any vuvuzelas saying that they held the 'rights for these new additions to football fan'. While it serves the club well to have their 12th man to help them win  their games, it does not serve any good to the game taking the passions to other levels.
It doesn't make one a bigger fan by shouting and harassing the opposing team even before the ball is kicked. So what happens if the teams can't make it to the pitch thanks to the clashes that fans may have? We all know how harsh the penalties become with teams asked to play without their fans. We can all avoid this if we conducted ourselves with just a bit of decorum even on the stands.
It will also serve the stadia management well, if the necessary security is in place to ensure that the fans do not get a chance to throw whatever burbs they have at each other. It is about time we matured in our fanaticism and not jeopardise
Interestingly how come rugby fans do not end up clashing even with all the alcohol and 'other incentives' involved?

Harambee Stars Woes, are we surprised?

It baffles the way Kenyan football fans are quick to put blame on one or the other for the team's poor performance in recent times. Are we surprised by that? Not from our brief here.
It is always going to be tricky affair translating good league fixture games to national team performances. That FKL has always been joking when it comes to the national team is something that needs to end. How can a team train for 4 days and then leave on the actual day to play a fixture which is more than 6 hours away? And you expected to win?
You must also have read The Daily Nation's- Macharia Gaitho's story about our team draping in all sorts of colours thus no consistency there too!

Harambee Stars A.Makacha  in a Weird colour - (Courtesy of www.kenyafootball.com) 

Not even the presence of famed duo of MacDonald Mariga and Dennis Oliech could save the blushes the team suffered. What is amusing is that the technical bench found it fair to play Oliech as the captain for the day ( though Robert Mambo remains the captain) even though he hadn't trained with the team. If players decided to have a go-slow on the pitch and thus lose the game, well they did just that and now complicate their qualification chances in a group featuring Angola, Uganda and Guinea-Bissau (who were labelled the under-dogs). The next fixture has Kenya facing Uganda in a month's time (Oct 8th at Kasarani)...should be an interesting fixture...
But if we are to make a difference in the qualifications, the rot starts from the top and needs to be pruned soonest possible. No need to blame the Twahirs, Oliechs, or other excuses that we've sought. Or else we shall remain non-starters on the continental-stage!

Football Kenya Elections in October .....Lord redeem us from the Circus !

An announcement coming from the Kenyan football authorities notes that we have an active month in September with branch elections and the culmination being elections of 'new' officials in October. From behind the scenes, there is bound to be some interesting times on the game which is slowly making it back on our main menu of sports offering if the KPL games are anything to go by.

Our prayer is that we shall see some fresh faces and 'clean hands' if we hope for the game to move to the next level. Given the shenanigans associated with the game, no suprises if all sorts of vested interests start sprouting out of the woodwork. We all remember the 1990s when one Maina Kariuki - he of the Coca-Cola Africa fame who gave one of the best presentations of a contesting official in the Kenyan sports scene only to sink into the mire of Kenyan football.
His reign characterised some of the lows that the game would have and we all know what the story has been with the current officials. The positives have been cultivated by SuperSport who invested in developing the game and we hope they shall insist on some better management coming through especially if our national team is to hope to feature in continental and the 2014 World Cup.
We also hope FIFA's 'briefcase officials' shall not show their hand in these elections. They have been part of the problem insisting on non-interference even when the game seems headed for the dogs from the Government. They have not helped much even when their own FIFA Goal Project seems to be a non-starter locally.
Remember we have a new Minister for Youth & Sports in one Paul Otuoma and surely hope he gives us one memorable thing if he is to make his mark in this under-rated but full of potential Ministry. Let's hope to get some semblance of order and may the best win! More info on this announcement here.

Another Sponsorship Deal in the Works ...

Word has it that a Kenyan football club - City Stars is about to secure sponsorship of some few millions from a local telco company. The world of football is surely getting interest in this side of the world. Hope this goodwill's going to uplift the game's standards and move the clubs to better positions locally and regionally. More details as they unfold.

Sports Clubs - Institutional clubs, Community-driven or Tribal Affairs?

In the last few months, I have been feeding off comments and conversations about the need for sports clubs and more specifically football clubs to embrace ‘tribal’ outfits (for lack of a better word).
My dilemma though is that are we trying to re-live past days or create rivalries? Again what informs the decision is it the competitive nature or just some misinformed session? There is also the reasoning around the need for communities (read tribes) to rally behind their own.


Tanzanian football club Simba Union

Given the small matter of the 2007/8 election debacle I would trend on this one carefully. There is the perception that football thrives from certain parts of the country. True, but really wholly scientific.
In my humble opinion the clubs should be developed by the communities around them. What do I mean? For instance, we have areas such as Kawangware, Kangemi, Huruma, Spring Valley, Madaraka, Kileleshwa, and many more. The residents around these areas can develop football clubs right from the under 9 , under 13, under 15 and so on.
Structures such as we have with the Ligi Ndogo and what the Super Eight Tournament is trying to do should help. Then these can conglomerate around a common channel by having mini-tournaments and the winning team(s) be awarded.
Using Nationwide League and KPL these should then go up the ranks to eventually play at the top League. Of course some of these things are happening but not with the focus and the direction they ought to take.
Youth centres and clubs should be developed using the CDF funds and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports which were intended for football in the 2008/9 Budget estimates. The long-abandoned FIFA Goal Project’s funds can also be secured and grants offered to the clubs displaying the best management skills.
Eventually these should be monitored on a regular basis and the wealth of talent brought to a common pool for the national teams which then train and meet on a regular basis.
Of course the clubs can also prepare business plans in consultation with the experts and the corporate world which is slowly starting to appreciate the potential of sports marketing. This can be done on an annual or semi-annual basis. This way clubs would be forced to prepare financial reports and potential suitors to conduct due diligence before making any commitment to the sporting outfits.
This can be replicated in other sporting disciplines such as rugby, basketball, and handball and as maybe pursued.
A line of contention is of course the institutional clubs from corporate firms which feel they can sponsor individuals from their companies to play in a team. This is usually tricky given the fluid nature of company management in most corporate firms and parastatals alike.

We also know what happens when the management changes hands and one top manager doesn’t find sense in sponsoring sports. Others would use the oft-made statement of rationalising, scaling down or whatever jargon tickles your fancy.
As the sporting season heats up in the local scene, let’s see what unfolds as the year trudges on. There are definitely interesting times ahead, but let’s be rational more than emotive which is not easy in sports!

Football Broadcasts - Another Radio Station joins the Circus

Those of you who make time with your favourite radio presenters and stations will notice that there has been an increased occurrence of stations broadcasting live football games.
Commendable it would be BUT I can't emphasise the fact that most of these focus mostly on the English Premier League and Champions League on weekdays. A great departure was the Africa Cup of Nations and of course we have the World Cup coming up in June which the national broadcaster and Radio Africa Group are hoping to reap handsomely.
On Saturday, yet another local radio station , Milele FM (specialising in playing rhumba music) broadcast the English Premiership games in partnership with BBC ( Idhaa ya Kiswahili) - great for your average football fan but disastrously to the growth of local game.
With the interest in the local game rising, we are bound to have fans starting to tune into the stations to find their favourite presenters as they make-believe and blow themselves hoarse as they bring the games.
Though it seems like a conspiracy by the media companies especially TV,I think they can serve our state of the game better by reducing these channels. For their business model it will work in the short term but for the local and continental game, no way.
While we all remember during the Africa Cup of Nations especially the final games, we know how Egypt v/s Ghana's game was beamed albeit to a reduced audience across it as most people preferred watching the EPL's Arsenal v/s Man U !!!
The dilemma first for the Kenyan football authorities is to sort out the first few problems of an unattractive game which needs to be worked on to impress upon fans to make their way into the stadiums. This will in turn become an attraction for the fans to come watch these fixtures. The incentives are coming through with sponsorship packages as corporate companies make their way into the game, KDN, Sofapaka and others thank you !
Ultimately, the local radio stations will have no option to give the local game preference over the other leagues. No illusions about this, we need to build our OWN!

Football In Eastern Africa - 'The Invisible Region ' & Nicholas Musonye's growing stature

Courtesy of Soccernet.com's Sven Frandsen, read through why the Eastern part of Africa will not be enjoying much boons from the World Cup and the frills of major tournaments. Once again Nicholas Musonye comes out blazing with the a true picture of the situation and could it be that this guy should be heading the Kenyan football fratenity. He saved AFC Leopards from CAF's axe and his efforts to bring CECAFA to the forefront of continental football. He also made a strong case for football in war-torn Somalia at the CAF meeting which is said to have impressed FIFA gurus. Hmmm an interesting year indeed for the CECAFA man.
You can also read this about the dearth of players from Eastern part of Africa,which may have helped Sven develop his article for Soccernet.

Kenyan Football :- Are we ready for take-off?

Over the weekend, we made time to visit the curtain-raiser for the upcoming season in the Kenyan football calendar & to a large extent, we were not disappointed. The game between Sofapaka & AFC Leopards had not had much hype but a fair crowd should up to cheer their favourite teams;
Positives:
- Fanbase - given last season's hype by SuperSport and Kenya Premier League officials, the fans for both teams should up for what looks like a most interesting season. Though AFC enjoyed a larger crowd, as the season progresses we shall see a growth in Sofapaka's fan-base especially if they conquer their continental assignment.
- Ticketing - the prices for the tickets were reasonable enough and any fan worth their salt should not even go there complaining about this. The russian side was at 50 /= and the sheltered area 100/= with the main dais 200/=.

- Stadium management - the grounds looked well-maintained but might need more sprucing up especially as the season warms up proper.
- Refreshments & snacks - the fancy-looking hawkers selling the snacks got a boost from Coca-Cola which made their day by giving them easy vests to carry the bottles. This is a welcome move since the Sun was beating down on us for the better part of the afternoon.They were also affordable unlike other events where catering costs an arm and a leg.

Areas to Work On;
- Ticketing - Though the prices are fair, can the ticketing guys (one firm called Sports Ticketmasters) try and organise for advance tickets? For logistical purposes as well as security measures during big matches, they might need to work on this urgently.
- Security - I noticed less than 10 police officers around the grounds even when you consider that there is a police station right there at the stadium grounds. Given the penchant of fans getting carried away and questioning rather loudly the officials/referees word, a contingent of not less than 20 police and maybe security guards and volunteers is a future consideration. At one point, one of the linesmen had a bottle of soda hurled at him, not good in bigger (and most likely tense) games.
There was also a section of fans who were smoking some not-so-legal stuff and would most likely not be suitable in case of crowd trouble.
- MC and entertainment before and at half-time- This was a bit wanting and did not have the uumph that the crowd would participate in. One of the reasons people come to watch the game live is get entertained not just by the game but also antics of the acts as they get ready to watch their favourite players. As for the MC, he was more concerned with the English Premiership game which was to be screened later that evening than telling us more about the two teams on the pitch.
- Technical expertise of the teams - Though they have been having at least 2 months off the pitch, there were some wanting moves by both teams. AFC seemed most affected especially their forward line. Maybe it's the fact that they are moulding a new team but they need to come up with a tighter game.
Sofapaka looked more comfortable on the ball and looked more dangerous on the counter. They will need to work on their backline though especially given the Egpytians penchant for quick counters as seen during the African Cup of Nations.

If what we saw on Sunday is anything to go by,and if the Kenyan football officials do not interfere, Kenyan football might just be ready for take-off!

MacDonald Mariga 's Promised Deal ? No Celebrating Yet

Over the weekend, the local Press and sports enthusiasts were treated to some interesting news about one of Kenya's sterling footballers about to make his forays into the richest Premier league in Europe -EPL.
While perusing I noticed a rather disappointing tone to most of the stories which highlighted more of what he is supposedly going to earn rather than tell us more about his exploits on the pitch and impact in his current team Parma in Italy.
Something else we must realise is that the deal is not yet sealed. As Mark Kaigwa notes in his blog- Mariga's likely miss , we must remember that Manchester City is currently the richest club and though we would love to have him join them (the first Kenyan player if he does to play in the English Premier League), there is the small matter of whether he will earn top notch playing games or languish on the bench ala Angola's Manucho @ Manchester United.
As a player though, he has managed to stay in good playing condition given the very physical nature of the Italian game - catenaccio. If he makes it to the English game, the pace, weather and exhausting schedule is something to think about. He may also need to consult some serious tax guys to sort out his pay and any endorsements (if they come his way) since England is known to have one of the tightest tax regimes in sports.
As the January transfer window comes to an end in the next few hours, we hope history shall be made but with much thought and hindsight before embarking on the English rendezvous.

Kenyan football officials you watching?

Did you know that...
- Mariga was part of the Kamukunji High School - that included Dennis Oliech -Auxerre (France) who won two national titles in 2002 & 2003.
- His deal to Parma was engineered by former Swede international Martin Dahlin - first black player for the Swedish team which went on to place 3rd in the 1994 World Cup in the US.
- There are reports of interests too from Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan
(Sources: Wikipedia & Goal.com)

Gor Mahia to unveil new shirt for 2010 season

After making it to the top 4 (and maybe still sneak into 3rd position), the Kenyan club with some of the most fervent support in the country unveils new uniform. Given that they might get an outside chance to play in the regional tournament, the club is set to be presented with the kit by the country's PM.

A flurry of activity has started as clubs look to position themselves for the next season and most clubs have been sending feelers to corporations who are starting to soften their stance towards sports and more specifically football. We'll watch and see what happens where.

2010 World Cup:
The final 6 slots to the World Cup in South Africa are decided tonight. The fixtures that stand out are France v/s Ireland and Egypt v/s Algeria. I foresee an upset in one or both. But then again,that's the armchair analyst in me talking !

Death of Kenyan ref :- Disgrace to sports !

On Saturday, one Dan Etolle-a football referee who was died from stab wounds by football fans he was officiating in Thika-was buried. This was TOTAL DISGRACE to sport not just football but the whole of the sporting world.
It is true that some officials make really dubious calls in games while others bring disrepute into sport but these are the minority. For Dan, his was not even such a call, just some excitable fans who thought they were doing their team a favor. What hurts me even more is slow (or no reaction) by the Football Kenya ( or KFF, which ever lays claim to managing the Kenyan game!)to the offense.
Just as they took their sweet time reacting to acts of hooliganism from one of Kenyan's oldest and most followed clubs, this time they ought to have acted with speed. They didn't even send a representative to pay final respects to the official. What tragedy ! Maybe the gods were punishing us yesterday for not respecting ourselves !

Spoccer -Kenyan Football News for you

If you have been a keen follower of the Kenyan football scene, you have noticed we have quite a number of channels covering the game. With the Kenya football website, KPL website, the latest kid on the block is Spoccer. This is a monthly pocket-sized newsletter which also has a website. They have a number of highlights from the player of the month,monthly fixtures, national team news among others.
This is a positive move forward. Given the level of interest the local league is attracting, such avenues will provide the necessary online support and provide the news to the rest of the world. We will witness an improvement in the game, as is demanded from the fans who have been given a raw deal over the last few years. Media deals, sponsorship deals from the corporate world and serious club structures will mean a movement towards achieving a truly professional league.
Though KPL is yet to get there, with such ventures as this, they can only get better unless proven otherwise.The balls on their court, we're ready and kickin' the action !

AFC vs Gor Mahia- Days gone by

One of Kenya's major sporting landmarks back in the day was a battle of the titans in Kenyan football, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. These two teams attracted huge fan bases. I can confess to have been a fan of one of the teams, and one of the first live matches which lured me into football back in the day involved one of these teams playing the local lads in our town ( yes I'm NOT the typical Nairobian though that's become like my hub for now...I digress).
Armed with traditional dancers and all sorts of paraphernalia, the legions of fans had become the backbone of these teams and travelled far and wide to ensure the teams won their games. AFC Leopards was the first team in the region to win the CECAFA Club Championship 3 times. They have also won the League 12 times. On the other hand, Gor Mahia is the only East African club to have won the African Club Cup Winners Cup back in 1987 and also follow AFC closely with 11 wins of the League.
That was then.
Right now the two clubs are faring badly with AFC at the bottom of the table while Gor Mahia is also flirting with the bottom half of the table standings. This weekend the 2 teams face off at Nyayo Stadium against a backdrop of heavy stakes on either side; AFC looking to regain their winning ways while Gor Mahia can't afford another loss as their fans have demonstrated rather loudly.
If you feel inclined to shout yourself hoarse and also risk a limb or two, be there tomorrow afternoon. If you are like some of others, please stay at home and watch the game on SuperSport.

Kenyan Club set for Relaunch

After languishing in the lower rungs and having promoted to the Kenyan Premier League (though not without controversy), AFC Leopards are hosting its local football fans and football enthusiasts alike to a relaunch dinner. This is taking place today 7th January at Charter Hall , Nairobi from 5.30 p.m.
This comes at a time when there has been increased interest in Kenyan football not just from the local scene but the region and continent too. As earlier indicated in other articles, I believe the success of our national team will be nurtured by enhancing our local teams first. Thus they can act as feeder clubs to more professional leagues in the continent and world alike.
AFC represents such an opportunity and the effort must be applauded. I have had an opportunity to meet some of the people working behind the scenes and if the plans are anything to go by, we should see a real change in Kenyan football.
Tickets are at KShs. 1500 per plate and Kshs.10000 for VIP Seats. The deadline may have passed (yesterday) but I'm sure they wouldn't mind an additional sum to their kitty. Contact Person: Richard Ekhalie Marketing & Corporate Affairs Director -richard@afcleopards.net.

UPDATE:
The relaunch dinner was fairly well attended and an interesting combination had the KFF and Football Kenya Limited both represented. There was also a fair share of politicians from Western Province where the club enjoys a huge fan base. It managed to raise at least KShs. 700,000 (approx. US$ 9000). An aggresive drive for seasonal and gate tickets should also raise some income for the club. A fair start if I must say

Keep it here for updates on development of our local clubs.