Shabana’s match attendance a secret weapon to FKF Premier League growth

One of the major draw backs of generating revenue in football,is a relative lack of tangible widespread interest . With the absence of this interest , Various leagues in Kenya are faced with low stadium attendance and low profile match – day experiences .

Across the world,one of the key components of football games and competition is the presence of fans which adds an entirely unique element to the game. Supporters create a good atmosphere elevating the game altogether.

National Super League side Shabana Fc have been handed a further convinction of success by the numbers of fans streaming to watch matches at Gusii Stadium,proving how fans in Kenya are passionate about football.

But how has the Gusii based club managed to tap in fans back in the stadium ?

Kerema Nyanchoka ,Shabana Fc Secretary General says if clubs in conjunction with league runners attempt to fix some particular issues ,they may well begin the long term process of getting fans back in stadium.

Kerema told Kurunzi Sports ” For Shabana Fc to have the numbers , they had to fix security in the stadium . Since ,with the possibility of lax security becoming an apparent issue in Kenyan Stadiums ,it is not hard for a fan to choose to remain at home rather than attend games out of fear.”

” Football offers entertainment and recreation,to get the fans we had to assure them of their safety as they come for matches at Gusii Stadium,” says the soft spoken Secretary general. ” It is imperative for club officials to address the security issues and adhere to tackling them head on to regain and retain trust of match – going supporters .”

Over the weekend, Tore Bobe  attracted over 10,000 fans in their match aganist Kibera Black Stars.

A good relationship with the local security apparatus ensured that they have at least 10 uniformed police officers on matchdays.

Furthermore,the club has trained 25 persons who offer stewardship on each and every matchday.

Another reason for high numbers flocking Gusii Stadium ,is because if the entertainment value Shabana Fc offers with style of play ,the quality of football on display goes long way ensuring that ,like every customer and service provider relationship,the fans in the stadium get value for their money .

Shanama are having an impressive season,losing only one match at home ,defeat that came in Bosongo derby aganist Gusii Fc in the first leg.

Furthermore,the team is at the summit of the National Super League standings en route to FKF Premier League after 17 years in Lower tier leagues.

What do clubs like Shabana stand to gain from full stands ?

With sold-out stadiums on weekly basis, the possibilities are near endless for football clubs as they are provided with a tangible, sustainable and long-term source of critical revenue. Of the four key revenue streams in sports , gate receipts account for the highest percentage of earned revenue ahead of other components such as media rights, sponsorship and merchandise.

Shabana FC has pocketed quite a good sum of money this season from match day gate collections, earning approximately Ksh 1.0 million in the last 10 home games excerpt for Kibera Black Stars which was waved by Kisii County government but the club later pocketed more than ksh 1.2 million for the match .

Clearly, while other components involve a few variables, the match – going fans who buy tickets to watch their favorite teams play can provide teams with a stable source of income but only if conditions for attendances are right.

The congregation of large numbers also increases branding value in and around stadiums as the club can monetize the consistent presence of its brands with stadium ad panels, brand activation and multiple other channels.