×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Informed Minds Prefer The Standard
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Nganya culture spreads the cheer to football

Shabana and Gor Mahia players during their game at Gusii Stadium, on April 4, 2025. The match ended 1:0 in favor of Gor Mahia. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

It is 7 am on a Sunday morning in Kisii town. The crowds are already gathering. A matatu, no, a nganya, zooms past the residents, painted in customized flashy themes, with murals of football legends and slogans that scream identity.

Hyped for weeks, the pandemonium hit fever pitch as the anticipated football match dubbed the Nyanza derby, saw hundreds of football fans travel overnight from Nairobi to Kisii town to cheer their beloved teams.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in
Rugby
Chase for playoffs slots, individual gongs take shape in Kenya Cup
Football
Rising Starlets step up preparations for 2026 World Cup qualifier
Football
Champs Kenya Police Bullets tackle Zetech Sparks
Football
Focus on relegation battle in SPL