Table of Contents
- Planned Harambee Stars matches could move permanently to Kasarani Stadium which has a bigger seating capacity
- This follows Kenya vs Gabon match held at the Nyayo Stadium, where Kenyan fans turned up in large numbers
- Hosting Harambee Stars matches in Kasarani will accommodate more fans and generate more in ticket sales
Future Harambee Stars matches could move permanently to Kasarani Stadium, FKF boss Hussein Mohammed states.
This follows Sunday’s match between Kenya and Gabon, held at Nyayo Stadium. The stadium, built in 1983, has a 22,000-seat capacity.
Why Harambee Stars Matches are Headed to Kasarani
Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani is a 60,000-seater stadium that holds more than double the fans at Nyayo National Stadium.
Mohammed asserted that the Kenya vs Gabon match attracted a lot of fans, but there was limited space at the stadium. Currently, Kasarani Stadium remains closed for renovation.
He said that Harambee Stars, now under South African coach Benni McCarthy is attracting more fans, which necessitates a bigger arena.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed is leading major changes to make football in Kenya more attractive. Photo/Capital News
Moving Harambee Stars matches to Kasarani is a conversation FKF will have with stakeholders moving forward.
“I would like to start by thanking all Kenyans for the incredible support shown on Sunday. The energy and passion in the stands were a true reflection of our love for the game, and seeing Harambee Stars play at home after years away was a special moment. My appreciation also goes to the players, technical bench, match officials, all personnel, and organisers who made this event possible,” Mohammed said in a statement.
FKF Improving Matchday Experience
Besides contemplating having Harambee Stars matches played in Kasarani, FKF faces the tough task of improving the matchday experience.
Sunday’s match, which recorded the biggest home support in three years, was marred by insecurity, access to the stadium and ticket verification.
“We acknowledge that Sunday’s match came with challenges, particularly regarding stadium access due to the overwhelming turnout. While we are grateful for the massive support. It is clear that we must improve the matchday experience,” FKF noted in a statement.
Excited fans filled Nyayo National Stadium to cheer Harambee Stars against Gabon. FKF is
keen on improving matchday experience for all football fans Photo/Hussein Mohammed
They will provide additional and modern ticket scanners for efficiency and decongesting the stadiums’ entry points. Congestion at the stadium’s entrance provided a harbour ground for pickpockets.
“As Football Kenya Federation, we are already working on solutions, including the deployment of faster ticket scanners for future national team matches to ease stadium entry and prevent congestion. Additionally, we will prioritise the training of more matchday experience personnel.”
FKF is also looking at enhancing the football experience for VIP ticket holders attending Kenyan matches. The federation said it’s working towards offering VIPs ‘world-class service.’
Further, the federation appealed to dignitaries planning on gracing these matches to RSVP in advance for proper planning.
Ticket Hoarding Claims
The federation is also probing what looks likes ticket hoarding claims. This follows rumour that tickets for Kenya vs Gabon match were totally sold out by Saturday evening.
Yet, Mohammed revealed that available data shows the total tickets sold for the event were 17, 192 out of 18,000 available tickets. A majority of these tickets – 15,968 were regular tickets, 1331 were VIP tickets, and 107 were VVIPs.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules don’t allow for the total selling of match tickets. According to CAF, a duly filled stadium poses logistical and security issues for the federation.
Crowd management for a fully sold stadium is a nightmare. It’s prone to security breaches and a bigger problem in case of a medical emergency.
