#EvertoninKenya Organisers: Kenya Is Ready For World Class Football

4th July 2019

The Blues will become the first ever English Premier League (EPL) side to play on Kenyan soil on Sunday when they lock horns with the 2019 SportPesa Cup champions Sharks at the MISC Kasarani

From L: Everton FC legends Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman and SportPesa Chief Marketing Officer, Kelvin Twissa during a press conference at a Nairobi hotel on July 4, 2019. PHOTO/BRIAN KINYANJUI
From L: Everton FC legends Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman and SportPesa Chief Marketing Officer, Kelvin Twissa during a press conference at a Nairobi hotel on July 4, 2019. PHOTO/BRIAN KINYANJUI
SUMMARY
  • The Chief Marketing Officer at SportPesa, Kelvin Twissa, who hosted the function, declared the country was about to witness an event at par with any other across the globe
  • According to the 16-year veteran at Goodison Park, the landmark visit of the EPL heavyweights goes beyond the football on the pitch
  • Everton are expected to arrive for the game on Saturday with their ambassadors, Pienaar and Osman involved in a number of community projects aimed at promoting local grassroots football

NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi is ready for world-class football. 

That was the declaration of the organisers of Sunday’s SportPesa Cup showdown between Kariobangi Sharks FC and Everton FC as elaborate security plans for the blue riband event were rolled out on Thursday.

Everton will become the first ever English Premier League (EPL) side to play on Kenyan soil on Sunday when they lock horns with the 2019 SportPesa Cup champions Sharks at the MISC Kasarani, Stadium in Nairobi.

The Chief Marketing Officer at SportPesa, Kelvin Twissa, who hosted the function, declared the country was about to witness an event at par with any other across the globe.

“Nairobi is ready for world class football and preparations for the match are complete,” Twissa proclaimed.

Everton legends Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman who were present encouraged Sharks to play Everton without fear during the international friendly that will mark the official start of pre-season for the visiting Blues.

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“Everton resumed training this week and their fitness level is improving. Sharks have been preparing and seems they have built stamina for the tie.

“The hosts could have an upper hand in the game and so I would advise them to go out on attack,” the former Three Lion midfielder told assembled media.

According to the 16-year veteran at Goodison Park, the landmark visit of the EPL heavyweights goes beyond the football on the pitch.

“I believe the match will strengthen our relationship with Sharks as well as Kenya in general,” the former England international underscored.

READ ALSO: Everton Hero Pienaar Rallies Kenyan Fans To Be Part Of History

Honing skills

Osman who made 352 appearances for the Blues further stated he would make a follow-up on the Kits For Africa initiative he launched at Umeme Grounds in Nairobi’s Ziwani estate in November 2017.

“I believe the initiative has given hope to upcoming players honing their skills in the grassroots,” he said.

READ ALSO: Everton Legend Osman: East Africa Tours Set Blues Apart From EPL Rivals

On his part, ex-South Africa Bafana Bafana captain, Pienaar told Sharks to treat the game like any other as they prepare to feature in what ranks as their biggest game so far since the club was founded in 2000.

“We know Sharks have prepared well. Let them be composed and have fun as we look forward for an interesting match on the day,” Pienaar accentuated.

At the same time, the International Match Organising Committee chairman, Michael Ouma announced four top FIFA accredited referees would handle the fixture with 60,000 spectators expected at Kasarani.

 “The gates will be opened at 10am (+3GMT) on Sunday. I urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers, let them use the occasion to treat their families since the game will be preceded with lots of exciting entertainments,” Ouma highlighted.

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SportPesa Head Of Security, Lt. Col (Rtd) Mathews Waria and Kasarani OCPD, Peter Kimani assured adequate security measures are in place to ward off any threat of trouble.

They assured various security agencies including the National Police Service, the paramilitary General Service Unit, the National Youth Service, Event Security Officers and stewards will maintain law and order on the big day.

“The match has been planned and secured properly. There will be ample parking space for those with cars and medical services will be available in and within the perimeter of the stadium,” the former military boss Waria guaranteed.

Everton are expected to arrive for the game on Saturday with their ambassadors, Pienaar and Osman involved in a number of community projects aimed at promoting local grassroots football. 

From L to R: SportPesa Head of Security, Lt. Col (Rtd) Matthews Waria, Michael Ouma, chairman of the International Match Organising Committee and Kasarani OCPD, Peter Kimani address the media on security arrangements for the Kariobangi Sharks FC versus Everton FC match on Thursday, July 4, 2019. PHOTO/SPN