The passion is slowly returning
The contest pitting traditional rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards was attended by what is being described as the largest crowd seen in a local league match in decades. Attendance at local league matches has been plumetting over the past decade or so as more and more fans identify themselves with the English premier league.
This past Wedensday however was a welcome departure from that trend. The Main stand was full to the brim as was the Russia and Soweto sections. It is still not at par with games of two decades ago when Nyayo stadium was already full to the brim 1hr before the match. But its amazing in a country where the EPL craze seems to have taken hold.
Passions were high as Kogalo fans blew the “Oporo” accompanied with songs and dances. Ingwe fans responded with their traditional Isukuti drums. When Kogalo fans launched into the “Oliech-Obama-Odinga” chant, Ingwe fans responded with their own version: “Mariga-Mudavadi-Marende”.
Both sets of fans are now sharply dressed in their favorite clubs jerseys.
It is clear as day that these two teams still command a large passionate following even after
decades of decline. It is now up to club officials to step up their efforts in attracting more fans especially the younger generation. Fans should bring their children to games. When kids become fans at that young age, they are hooked for life.
The two teams should also consider putting their differences aside and sourcing for sponsorship together. As the two most popular teams, they present a strong joint case for a sponsorship deal. But as seperate entities, thir case for sponsorship is much weaker because a company would fear alienating one set of supporters by sponsoring another.
Commentary by Muroro Pacho
Milimani Strathmore
That true because have tried to bring more fans even from other tribes.given that gor has a youthfull squad and play entataining soccer more people enjoys we should only look for goal scorer.
It is beautiful to see fans back to the stadium in such large number. I agree with the author of urging the club officials to translate this into getting a sponsor for these two clubs. Why can they talk to Safaricom/Standard Chartered Bank/Barclays Bank/Zain Kenya/Yu/Telkom Orange/Keroche/Oil Libya/Kenol/Kenya Data Network/Bamburi/KQ/Kenya Pipeline/NOCK/Kengen/Equity Bank/KPA/Kenya Airports Authority and many others? Fans of these club who are working in key departments of these institituions can also be approached to help or say a good word to the sponsors to explore the biggest fanbase of these clubs. Officials of Gor and AFC need to wake up from their slumber to engage these potential sponsors.
Open Letter to Gor/AFC Club Leaders
Dear Gentlemen
It is obvious fact that the two clubs are the epitome of Kenyan, and indeed, East African soccer. They enjoy the largest, wildest and most fanatical crowds in the same region. As a result, any joint approach to a sponsor will be a formidable idea worth no resistance. Why dont we (as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards) jointly approach a common sponsor(s) for our clubs?
Here in Angola, top rivals – Petro Atletico de Luanda and CF Primeiro de Agosta share a common sponsor just because of the common rivalry.No doubt this is the trend elsewhere in Africa. So in support of my colleague above, shall we consider this as a possible avenue to a more logical channel to a sponsor
Best Regards
K’Ogallo Die Hard
Fanatism is not a destination, it is a journey. Even Jesus said “Let the children come to me.” It is easier to mould a child into anything than an adult…
I remember seeing a child cry bitterly, inside the stadium, after Barcelona lost a match. It had to take so much persuasion from the dad to make the child calm down and agree to go home.
Such scene assures Barca they are not running short of fans any time soon…
WE NEED THAT.
Fanatism is not a destination, it is a journey. Even Jesus said “Let the children come to me.” It is easier to mould a child into anything than an adult…
I remember seeing a child cry bitterly, inside the stadium, after Barcelona lost a match. It had to take so much persuasion from the dad to make the child calm down and agree to go home.
Such scene assures Barca they are not running short of fans any time soon…
WE NEED THAT…
Kogalo is a great team. Now Shabana FC should come back.
Regards, Shabana Pundit
With 9 games to go, Gor can capture the league