Hooliganism threatens to stall growth of local football again

Injured fans are attended to by medics after chaos erupted ahead of Shabana FC vs Gor Mahia FC FKF Premier League match at Gusii Stadium in Kisii county on May 04, 2025. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard] Shabana and Gor Mahia are the most followed football teams in Kenya today. Many expected to see a strong fan base supporting their teams to glory in the Nyanza derby over the weekend at Gusii Stadium when the two teams met in a crucial encounter that indeed shaped the FKF Premier League title race. However, scenes of hooliganism that transpired took Kenyan football growth steps back. Sylvester Owino's 78th minute header was enough to hand Gor Mahia maximum points, three points that lifted the team to second in the standings as the race to win the 2024-2025 title heats up with Kenya Police and Tusker also in the battle. Shabana fans flee after they clashed with Gor Mahia fans before their match at Gusii Stadium on May 4, 2025. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] While the title race is spicing up, the league is taking a step back in matters development and growth as hooliganism continues to cloud the local football scenes. According to Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the chaos left over 70 fans injured, underscoring the safety of the most loved sport in the country. "We have received confirmed reports from Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, RAM Hospital, Hema Hospital, Christamarianne Hospital, and the police, indicating that a total of 72 individuals were treated for injuries. "Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported as of this evening," read a statement from the federation. In a league that doesn't have a title sponsor leave alone a serious broadcast media partner, hooliganism will kill football. Currently, Azam Tv offers the only broadcast services, a deal that might be blown away come next season if what happened in Kisii is what the Azam team will be facing every week in Kenya. Fans jump over a razor wire after supporters of Shabana and Gor Mahia clashed before their game on May 4, 2025. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] With violence, sponsors normally wary of associating with violence, thus withdraw support, leading to financial instability for clubs. Fans, fearing for their safety, will always avoid stadiums, resulting in dwindling attendance and revenue. Moreover, talented players, both local and foreign, seek opportunities in more stable leagues, leading to a decline in the quality of the game. Shabana collected Sh5.1 million in gate collections over the weekend, signs that football can grow with fans on the stands. With violence, nobody will fill the stands and thus no revenue for clubs. As if that is not enough, the ugly scenes at Gusii Stadium on Sunday also brought a bad picture to the country that is preparing to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the African Nations Championship (Chan) later this year. The Confederation of African Football might be seeking answers soon from FKF on the way forward in croed trouble and whether we have the capacity to control even bigger crowds during the Afcon and Chan. Former Harambee Stars, Kisumu Posta player now turned Shabana fan Elijah Onsika told the Standard Sports the federation and respective clubs should take serious action to ensure safety of fans. Onsika who was an active player in the early 1980s and 1990s said discipline was paramount for them while they were playing football which was dictated by passion and unity. ""FKF must take decisive action against hooliganism to safeguard the future of Kenyan football. Safety is paramount not only for the fans but also the players alike," said the Kisii based legend now turned businessman. Onsika further advocated for stringent measures, including banning notorious fans from matches, to ensure the safety and integrity of the sport. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questionable, given the recurring nature of such incidents.

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