Football: Kenyan fans have a feel of EPL trophy

By GILBERT WANDERA

Airtel Kenya  CEO Shivan Bhargava holds the EPL trophy on Monday.

It is a well known fact that the English Premier League (EPL) continues to attract a lot of interest in the country.

It is for this reason that social places are always full on weekends as local fans gather to cheer their favourite teams.

The interest went a notch higher on Monday when fans had an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the EPL trophy, which made a one- day stopover in the country.

Fans from different parts of  Nairobi thronged the Kenyatta International Conference Centre  to see the trophy and even took a picture with it.

Peter Owino, a staunch Manchester United fan said: “It was a wonderful experience for me. I could not pass the opportunity to see the trophy and I want to thank Airtel for making my dream come true.”

The trophy is touring Africa courtesy of Airtel Kenya and current holders Manchester United Football Club.

Airtel Kenya Managing Director Shivan Bhargava said they decided to give local fans an opportunity to see the trophy in order to have a feel of the world’s most popular league.

“This visit offered an opportunity for many fans to get up close and have photo opportunities with the trophy that the teams they passionately support compete for,” he said.

The trophy visit sets the stage for this year’s Airtel Rising Stars Championships in association with Manchester United and Kenya Secondary School Sports Association.

The partnership has been in existence for the last three years where talented youth have been provided with the opportunity to connect with each others through their passion for the sports and get training from Manchester United coaches. Three months ago, the trophy made another tour in the country but this time courtesy of sponsors Barclays Bank.

The trophy was brought to the country by former Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly.

The November trophy tour was part of the bank’s efforts to thank the fans for making the English Premier League what it is.

The visit was the first leg of a three-year Barclays Premier League Trophy Tour during which the trophy will visit the Middle East, Asia, North America and Africa.