Stewards need brains to tackle rowdy fans, not muscles

 

A police officer run for safety after AFC fans engaged police in a running battle during their GOtv Shield Semi-final against Sofapaka at City Stadium 2014 Photo: Boniface Okendo

 

  

Hooliganism is fast eroding the appeal of football and desire to watch live matches.

It would be erroneous to think that hooliganism is Ingwe’s or K’Ogalo’s problem — well, they bear a certain proportion of responsibility, but the problem goes beyond the two big clubs.

And to salvage our football, certain important steps must be taken.

First, it would be prudent to address the matter of stewards and security officers on the pitch.

It’s worth noting that local clubs will be required to have stewards and security officers before they are issued with licences to participate in the 2017 Kenyan Premier League (KPL). This directive must be adhered to by the end of the 2016 season.

The perception of a football steward is that of an authoritarian figure, middle-aged man who uses his position as a substitute for a failed attempt at becoming a police officer.

With objective stewards in force, we will be able to deal with hooliganism on the pitch. They will show fans to their seats and ensure they are comfortable - that’s customer service.

This means they will need to know the grounds like the back of their hands — as well as understand how to report potential problems to supervisors, and other relevant agencies.

All stewards should be screened and vetted to a 10-year standard, including enhanced criminal background checks. The stewards should also be familiar with the laws of the land, risk management and prevention of terrorism.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) must embark on a training programme in conjunction with Confederation of African Football (CAF), to train stadium stewards.

The government too has a vital role to play, especially through the Ministry of Sports. Among other things, the government must recognise the need to address public disorder during football matches and create a national stewarding commission.

The commission formed should be given the task of delivering a trained workforce of stewards governed by new regulations created under the Sports Act.

The individuals and security unit on completion of the stewards training, will have mastered the following: spectator safety, physical intervention, first aid, conflict management, communication skills and customer service, and can then pass on their knowledge to stewards at the club level.

The ministers in charge of Sports and Justice should further request CAF for cooperation in delivering safety management training for police and stadium managers as a means of complementing the training of stewards.

Club licensing should be adopted as law in the Sports Act. The Sports Ground Safety Authority should also be established and enforced. There should be a ‘Guide to Safety on Sports Grounds’ provided and enforced by the government through Sports Kenya.

Most importantly, the training of stewards and security officers will create jobs, which will be a real boost to our economy.