• We have to make people realise this is their team and not a KPA team,” Kibwana said.
• If this happens, Bandari will also have enabled the coast region to have at least six standard pitches that could even host international matches sanctioned by CAF and Fifa.
Image: JOHN CHESOLI
Bandari chief executive officer Tony Kibwana has divulged plans to enhance the status of the coastal club.
Kibwana said he and the Bandari board are putting in place structures that will help the team build on its Mombasa fan base and spread to the six coast region counties.
“I would like to remove from people’s mind the notion that Bandari is a Kenya Ports Authority team. Bandari is not a KPA team but, rather, a team for all of the people,” Kibwana said of the only team representing the coast region in the Kenyan Premier League.
“We have fans from all across the country and even beyond the borders, but we have to let that be seen day in, day out. We have to make people realise this is their team and not a KPA team,” Kibwana said.
He said apart from nurturing talent from across the region, Bandari, like any other professional team, would like to win as many titles as possible and with a regularity never heard or seen before.
“We would like to win many titles and to regularly play continental football. We want to ensure that Bandari does not only represent coast region but also Kenya, east Africa and Africa in the world of football. We will reach there and we will make our fans across the world happy,” Kibwana said.
They will intensify efforts to make the Mombasa-based side a constant fixture on the continental stage.
The long-term strategy involves picking the best talent from the grassroots, especially the remote areas to make people feel they are also watched, appreciated and recognised.
This is how Benjamin Nyamawi, from Kwale-based National Super League side SS ASAD was signed this season. Kibwana believes there are many unseen talents in remote Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Taita Taveta and Lamu counties.
“If we tap into these talents, we will be able to bring on board more fans, who will come to cheer their sons, just like they do for Nyamawi now,” said the soft-spoken Kibwana.
“FKF have their own standards that need to be met. For instance, the grounds have to meet the standards acceptable before they and be okayed to host matches. So the governors in those counties have to ensure these grounds are available.” Kibwana said.
If this happens, Bandari will also have enabled the coast region to have at least six standard pitches that could even host international matches sanctioned by CAF and Fifa.
“So, there is that possibility for us to take our games to our fans in different counties,” Kibwana said.
Bandari, who are currently sixth on the log with 20 points after 12 rounds, will host Muhoroni Youth at Mbaraki Stadium on Sunday.