How entertainment joints and Nakuru football fans 'survive' the EPL break

We all know that your couch might be comfy, but watching soccer from home just doesn't compare. 

Nothing beats the big screens, drink specials, and the buzz of excited fans as you banter with rival team supporters.

After the football season ends, most fans emerge from their cocoons, trying to reconnect with life outside football during the three-month break. 

For many watching joints like clubs, this period sees a decline in customers.

Henry Akhonya, manager at Culture Mambo, mentions that the end of the football season marks the start of a slow period, especially on weekends. 

"During the season break, most people don't come to the club because there are no ongoing games, which means a low season for the club," he explains.

Interestingly, this season's break has been different due to the ongoing Euros tournament, which has drawn more football fans to the clubs during big games. 

"The Euros tournament has allowed the club to perform fairly well compared to other season breaks," Henry says.

To attract more visitors during breaks, the club has introduced theme nights, guest DJs, and special events. 

Henry notes that once the football season resumes, the club is usually packed, especially on game nights.

Sharon Rotich, a sales executive at Merica Hotel, echoes Henry's observations, noting that business is typically slow during breaks. 

"Most football fans watch the games in groups, and when the season is over, the groups disband and regroup when the season resumes," she says. 

Even with the Euros tournament, turnout remains low, prompting management to introduce product incentives.

Fredrick Irambo, a member of the Arsenal Kenya fans club -Nakuru branch, says it's normal for people to stop frequenting their usual spots to watch matches during breaks. 

"Most people join other fans for company and banter while watching their favourite or rival teams play. It's fun watching the game with other people," he says. 

The break provides the winning team with bragging rights for a few weeks while others hold on to the hope of winning next season.

Irambo adds the Arsenal Kenya Nakuru branch holds charity events to help the less fortunate in society among other things.

"During the breaks, we also have team building activities for the members and have friendly matches with fans of the rival teams like Manchester United," he reveals.

The break also allows fans to follow player transfers in and out of teams.