Fans come to rescue struggling Nzioa Sugar FC rescue
By Joel Masibo, November 1, 2023
In the midst of challenging times at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League side Nzoia Sugar FC, the club’s devoted supporters have launched a noble effort to address the situation at Sudi Stadium.
The Bungoma-based sugar millers have endured a five-match winless streak in the country’s top-tier league, prompting the team’s faithful to contribute what they can to support the players and club operations.
Nzoia Sugar FC’s fans, led by chairman David Manasi, have initiated a campaign to collect funds, encouraging a monthly minimum contribution of Sh100. The funds are intended to assist the former National Super League champions with travel expenses, players’ allowances, and other logistical needs at the club.
The financial troubles of Nzoia Sugar company in recent years have directly impacted the team’s performance at Sudi Stadium, with players enduring months without salaries and allowances due to the company’s financial constraints.
In an exclusive interview with People Sport, the club’s fans’ chairman, David Manasi, discussed the challenges affecting Nzoia Sugar FC’s performance eight matches into the ongoing FKF Premier League season.
“The club is posting poor results because of major financial issues. These players are sacrificing a lot to show up for premier league fixtures.
They come to play straight from their homes as there is no money for camping–you can’t perform well under these circumstances,” he stated.
The fan-led initiative serves as a shot in the arm for Nzoia Sugar FC at a time when their primary sponsor is also struggling to resume normal operations in sugar production.
Manasi explained, “Coming together as Nzoia Sugar FC fans is an idea that I personally came up with just to help the club sail through during these hard economic times.
We have decided that each member will be contributing a certain amount of money, with the minimum amount being Sh100.”
He also highlighted that the mass departure of key players at the end of last season has adversely affected the club’s performance.