On Saturday, approximately 30,000 people thronged Gusii Stadium to witness the coronation of Shabana as the National Super League champions after they beat Kisumu Allstars 2-0.
Shabana raised Sh3 million from gate collections, surpassing the amount raised during Kenya's most revered football showcase — the Mashemeji derby.
Murang'a Seal – another community club – will also debut in the Kenyan Premier League next season, alongside Shabana.
Both sides enjoy huge following, considering the colossal crowds that attend their league matches.
They seem to generate a fervour only comparable to the ecstasy that surrounds traditional Kenyan giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.
As we celebrate Shabana and Seal, it should not be lost on us that two other community clubs, Mathare United and Vihiga Bullets have been demoted.
Like them, several community clubs have fallen into oblivion owing to a dearth of funds.
Little has been done to capitalise on the high level of interest in local football if the plight of the cash-strapped sides is anything to go by.
Policies that can stimulate expansion and sustainability of community clubs are urgently needed.
Counties must come up with creative ways to complement the national government's Sports Fund, while also encouraging more people to attend matches.
Kenyan football has the potential to reach the same heights as athletics with the right assistance.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
Martin Luther King Jr
The American civil rights activist was arrested on July 10, 1962
