Experiencing a CHAN Fan Zone: A View of Pand Pieri's Energy
On any given Sunday, Pand Pieri is a hub of sporting activity. With many clubs located off Kamiti Road and Thika Road, this ground is always a heated atmosphere as fans cheer their teams and jeer their opponents.
Yesterday was different; there was no rivalry. It was unspoken, but everyone silently knew that the job was to cheer on the national team. There was a small matter of sealing the top spot in the group, and the fans wanted this passionately.
As a Pand Pieri faithful, watching via a digital screen, about 3 km from the actual match venue, was different from cheering on the likes of Githurai All Stars live on the pitch.
However, the emotions were very much the same. Every pass was cheered; every run by a Kenyan player brought a tension of excitement that captured everyone. Fans were in sync with each other and with the team.
The fans watch Harambee Stars at Pand Pieri
I liked how we stood there clapping and shouting as players moved the ball in the final third. It was as if the Harambee Stars could hear us.
The feeling was mutual when the Chipololo had opportunities. Tense calm ensued when a corner was awarded to the Southern African nation. This tension was the same when they got a free kick in a dangerous area.
Shots saved, near misses, and final third passes not connecting for the Stars, the Pand Pieri fan zone was alive, sharing in the agony. The desire for the goal was palpable. News of Morocco's exploits at Nyayo did not help, especially when they went ahead.
At the end of the first half, the good news that the DRC had equalised was cheered like a win.
Ryan Ogam’s Goal
It was in the 75th minute that everyone was up and plastic chairs were in the air. Ryan Ogam had done it again; Kenya was one up. Kids ran around, people high-fived, and some raised anything they could to celebrate.
Ogam's Goal Celebration
In the end, the fan zone had brought people together. The openness and spatial nature of the grounds mean people can set up where they want. There is no rush, and everyone just wants to enjoy the game.
The Luxury of fan zones: Watching from the roof
The patriotic camaraderie sometimes demands that we watch our national team together. With the scarcity of tickets, I feel fan zones should be a concept for all Harambee Stars matches in the future, especially as we gear up for AFCON.
Pand Pieri offered a nice example of a community space where friends and family can come together and cheered on the Harambee Stars.
The truth is, Kenyans love their team, and they want to watch it together. Fan zones should be a part of the Pamoja AFCON.
