Shabana must start strategising how to spur soccer economy

Football Club for being elevated to the Kenya football premier league after years in the lower tier bringing back the nostalgia and fond memories of the good old competitive days of yore.

The journey to the top league has been a challenging one amid disagreements between Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Kenya Premier League, coupled with controversies surrounding the league’s operations among others.

Be that as it may, and as fans and players toss the champagne amid celebrations, for management, this is the time to refocus as the hard work has just begun.

Going by the legendary song ‘ntwarwara tiga toragere’ which loosely translates to ‘we were hungry let’s feast’, indeed, this is the time for the team to shine and bring glory to the community in what is a multi-million economy around soccer.

Globally, community clubs play a vital role in the economy by creating employment, generating revenue, developing infrastructure, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, fostering community development and contributing to the broader sports industry.

Further, the impact of such clubs extend beyond sports and has far-reaching economic and social implications for the local area and beyond.

The good news is that Shabana as a brand has gained a lot of traction and attracted quite a huge following from across the country, going by those claiming allegiance to the club. This is, therefore, the right time for the patrons of the club to seize the moment to start to think how the club can grow through a sustainable financial model and take it to the next level.

For such football clubs, numbers matter and the club can benefit only if the stadium stands are filled up with fans having fun, just like it is the case in neighbouring Tanzania, where the love from fans is palpable.

To attract more fans and foster a loyal and engaged fan base that can root for the team will, however, take a lot of strategies and proper execution of plans by the club management, so as to enhance the matchday experiences during football matches.

It is simple logic, to attract larger crowds means increased ticket sales per match, surge in merchandise purchases, and increased revenues for the club.

Leveraging the club’s “Tore Bobe” mantra which is a Kisii phrase loosely translating to ‘we are on fire’, the management and patrons must first prove to the fans how they intend to steer the club to greater heights. They must also outline to the community how they will reap dividends by supporting the club at the more competitive premier league.

It must start by swiftly reaching out to the county government to ensure that Gusii stadium gets a facelift to enable it to handle premier league matches and enhance security for all fans.

Enhancing infrastructure and facilities will not only attract more fans but also create additional revenue opportunities through increased attendance and hosting matches.

They must talk to the county government, hospitality industry and transportation sectors in Gusii and remind them that Shabana is now like an economic enabler that will not only deliver a huge number of clients for business, but also offer them free marketing as a community.
— The writer is the Business Editor, People Daily