FC Barcelona launches fan base in Kenya

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Barcelona President Sandro Rosell (centre) launches fan club in Kenya   [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO]

FC Barcelona is the first Spanish football club to launch a fan base in Kenya.

The launch on Friday night in Nairobi was attended by club President Sandro Rosell.

With the launch, Kenya now becomes the sixth country in the continent, after South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia and Morocco, where the successful La Liga club has official supporters club.

The Penya Barcelonista Masahriki (PBM) club gives the local fans a chance to access FC Barcelona merchandise at reduced rates, venue discounts during match viewing and access to tickets during matches at Camp Nou.

The membership level starts from an annual subscription of Sh15,000 for junior level and Sh120,000 for elite membership.

“This is a historic occasion for Kenya to be part of and benefit in all about Barcelona,” said Rosell. “FC Barcelona acts as a powerful tool for globalisation, solidarity, integration and social cohesion.”

Rosell added that the launch of the fan club in Kenya continues FC Barcelona’s global appeal anchored on a commitment to universality.

Rosell, who rose from a ball boy to President at FC Barcelona, is also on a one week holiday in Kenya with his family.

The President explained he was pleased with Kenya’s panoramic view at the coast and Maasai Mara where that he visited. He is hopeful that a Kenyan player will one day make it to FC Barcelona.

While praising their partnership with Kenya and FC Barcelona, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “As FC Barcelona’s global partner, we are committed to creating joint initiative with the club that help unite them with their fans. We are thrilled to be here today as we launch the official FC Barcelona supporters club in Kenya.”

Baker said through the initiative, the airline places special focus on connecting with the clubs fans to spread the love of football to all corners of the globe.

Now, with the inclusion of PBM in the continent, the club has ten official fan clubs in Africa with Morocco having the highest number.