Blog: Why not have a KPL Super Sunday

The recent derby pitting AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani lived to expectations, with to this day, fans recalling the day with nostalgia.

What happened on that day, both on and off the pitch makes whoever attended the match not feel short changed whatsoever.

Next time they meet, their loyal fans will fill the Nyayo National Stadium in a FKF Cup semi final when the two teams with the richest history in Kenyan football clash.

With revenge in their sights, AFC Leopards fans will come out in numbers, especially if they will be doing well, while Gor fans will show up, regardless of whether not not they are doing well.

The question which will not escape many people’s mind is, after the match, how long we will wait for another mouth watering clash? Well, it may take more time than expected, especially if one team fails to show character in any competition, but with the proper strategies in place, Kenyans can be treated to more derbies indirectly.

Other clubs in the mix

It is expected that when one of the two teams is playing another Premier League team, no doubt a Gor or AFC fan will pray hard for their rival team to lose and that will add to the fans on the other side. Rivalries will be created, even though it has been proven that not all teams beside the two can marshal enough supporters.

My point is that in order for us not to wait for the derby so much, the Premier League management should come up with a way of merging two matches involving the big clubs to be played in one stadium the same day. This will not only help increase the revenue in terms of gate collection but also electrify the game.

There is a culture of the home-ground attracting more supporters, but planning some matches to be played at the same venue and on the same day can see a larger turnout to the stadium as well as treating the fans to some good action. 

For instance, a match pitting AFC vs Ulinzi and Gor Mahia vs Tusker should be turned into a super Saturday or Sunday fixture.

Even if it means charging lesser amounts to attend the game, the money collected will surpass the amount which could have been collected if the matches were played on different venues in different days. Creating such days in our football calendar will also help bring unity and cohesion as well as improve stadia attendance.

Lift standards

I believe it is high time we make normal days super Sundays rather than wait until AFC are meeting Gor to make good of our threat of Jazaing stadi na Mafans. 

Other likely Super Sundays we can expect can be when AFC locks horns with Sofapaka, Gor vs Ulinzi, Gor vs Mathare, AFC vs KCB all played at the same venue on the same day while Gor pitting AFC of course will be a Super Super Sunday.

If we can do so, I believe we will lift Kenyan football standards.