Work can wait: Nakuru football fans pulling all the stops to catch CHAN games

The African Nations Championship (CHAN) is finally here, and the Harambee Stars have been playing like their rent is due!

But the fans too have showed up in large masses to support the national team. Here in Nakuru, the CHAN craze is being felt too.

Bars and clubs within the city centre that would otherwise be empty on a week day now attract fans, some even leaving the office early just to catch a game.

A spotcheck by Mtaa Wangu on 14 August, during the highly anticipated match between Morocco and Zambia, revealed people still in their work suits filling up various entertainment joints.

The Thursday afternoon was characterised by loud cheers, and a drink in hand, work hours be damned.

A group of individuals stood outside some of the shops selling TVs, watching the game. It must take true football love for one to stand through the ninety minutes just watching the match.

For those who are privileged to have televisions in their offices, you will find them cooped up in the corner of the office watching the game.

This was the case when I visited one of the floors within our office building during the match between DR Congo and Angola that was being played late in the night. Additionally, it was the determining match that would have confirmed Harambee Stars’ spot in the quarter final.

When I asked them why they did not go to watch the game at home, one of them replied, “This game is being aired on KBC and I do not want to pay for the satellite television in my home at the moment wacha tuone hii ya ofisi.”

As others cried of paying for their satellite TV, there are some like my neighbour Kevin Ondimu who paid for his subscription for this month just for the CHAN tournament and the chance to see Harambee Stars play in this prestigious tournament.

As Harambee Stars head into the quarter finals, it is clear that the home fans here in Nakuru will do all it takes to make sure they catch the game.