LESSONS FROM SA: What can KPL learn from South Africa on hosting the Top 8 tournament?

Tusker's Bob Mugalia (right) controls the ball against AFC Leopards' Abdalla Juma during their Top-8 final match at Kinoru Stadium, Meru County on June 15, 2014. [PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

When Kenyan Premier League (KPL) ordered the final of the Top 8 to be played in Meru this year, there was a hue and cry, especially from AFC Leopards who felt that their opponents Tusker were getting undue advantage.

Meru Stadium was then the home ground of Tusker, though the facility has since been closed for renovations.

But in Durban this weekend, I witnessed first-hand the advantages that accrue from allowing the final of the tournament to be played outside Nairobi.

Durban bids, though unofficial according to officials here, to host the final of the MTN Top 8 tournament between South Africa's top clubs Orlando Pirates and Kazier Chiefs on Saturday night at the 85,000 seater Moses Mabinda Stadium.

Like the KPL Top 8 tournament, the MTN Top 8 brings together teams that finished in the top 8 in the ABSA Premier league.

What is surprising is that the final was able to draw a sell-out crowd even though both finalists are not from Durban.

The two teams are clearly the most supported in South Africa with fans coming in from all over the country to be part of the action on Saturday night.

The economic advantages for Durban were immense and it is estimated that more than Sh100 million was spent in the town for the two days.
Most of the hotels were fully booked from Friday and there was a significant increase in frequency of flights from the capital  - Johannesburg - on that day.

On the morning of the match itself, fans woke up in the wee hours of the morning to begin the celebrations and jammed many eating places and drinking places.
The match tickets were sold out within hours of going on sale and some enterprising businessmen bought and sold them for a killing later.

According to a South Africa Football Association official in Durban, the city paid about Sh8.5 million to be allowed to host the final of the tournament.

"Considering the huge prize money at stake and the economic advantages accrued, any city that wants to host must pay some money to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to be allowed to host.

"There is a lot to be gained from hosting. Apart from the money that comes into the city, they also have a chance to showcase their town on television," he said.

The winner of the MTN Top 8 earns Sh64million prize money. The sponsors also pay another Sh8.5million to one fan who emerges winner in a competition running alongside the tournament.
The fan will also watch the final of next year's champions league tournament.

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 6 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known