‘Move away from Nairobi’ – why Ambani wants AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia out of city
Former Harambee Stars striker Boniface Ambani has called on both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards to host their matches away from Nairobi.
K'Ogalo and Ingwe have predominantly hosted their Premier League games in Nairobi, with Moi International Sports Complex and Nyayo Stadium being the regular hosting grounds. Before, City Stadium was a popular venue for the local giants, but the iconic Eastland facility has failed to meet the required standards in recent times.
The majority of fans of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are believed to be domiciled in the Nyanza and Western regions, respectively, and Ambani now wants the clubs to relocate there.
Ambani's advice
"I will continue telling AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia to start thinking of relocating the two clubs to Western Province and Nyanza, respectively. Their business in the city is over.
"I don't know why the management of the two teams is sleeping on their jobs; they keep on complaining about the lack of finances of running the two clubs, being fined left and right; the list is endless while they have gold somewhere in Western and Nyanza," Ambani said in a statement.
While explaining his point of view, the former Yanga SC striker pinpointed the amount of money Shabana FC collected during their match on Sunday.
From the ticketing information posted by Shabana, it is believed the club collected around Ksh600,000 from their opening game of the Premier League against Murang'a Seal at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
"Shabana FC just clocked around Kshs 650K in their match against Murang'a Seal, a match I personally perceive not to be a high-octane match, given Murang'a Seal fans didn't travel in droves.
"They collected that amount in a zone perceived to be the Gor Mahia bedroom. What if it was Gor vs Shabana, which is going to be explosive, on and off the pitch?" Ambani argued. 
Maximum benefits
To achieve maximum benefits from the gate collections, Ambani suggested ways to do so.
"You only need to spruce up your gate and ticket collection systems at Mambo Leo Stadium in Kisumu, as well as Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, for AFC.
"Bungoma and Busia should be on the cue for revamping their facilities, as should the sleeping Vihiga County, which has more clubs in the women's top league and NSL than their neighbouring counties but without a proper facility.
"Move out of the city. Pick the right spots. Stop hunting away from home," he concluded.
