KENYAN FOOTBALL GOES SEXY

They say; it is only a game. But, while in the past only a sprinkling of hardcore female fans turned up for matches; more women are now taking to the stands, painting something else.

There is a popular belief with many that the 1970s and 80s were the golden and glory period of Kenyan football.

One cannot rewind the 1980s without feeling they were a black and white period. Who saw the blue zebra of Ingwe then? The forest green of K’ogalo? There was all the shouting and fond nick names back then; but who can equate them with the passion that has been marking the premier league season; especially in 2012?

One thing the 80s lack is the glam our women have brought to the stands. With them; they have brought more that a touch of color and glamour to the game.

So; it would be a befitting tribute to go to the one place throughout the season that never disappoints- the stands! This time; we take a depth of field view on our ardent female football fans.

THE INGWELETS AND INGWE LADIES…

They are the back-support of AFC Leopards. Ingwelets ( named after AFC nickname “Ingwe” that means a cheetah in Luhya) was officially launched on September 1, 2012; Boasting of vast networks of branches countywide.

The Ingwe Ladies; a rival group; are affiliated to the club of Leopards Active and Wise Supporters (CLAWS) Trust.

Ingwe Ladies’ main objective is to increase the number of female supporters of the club and leave a positive impact in the community.

The ladies have a website- www.ingweladies.org and run an active Facebook page.

THE K’OGALO DIVAS…

The group was founded in 2010 and is arguably the most colorful football ladies in the history of the local game. Referred to as the “queens” of Kenyan football; founder members include, Adumi Gyan Mamayao (Divas president); Judith (Vice President); Lorna Loarn (Treasurer) and Roselinder Achieng (Programmes’s and Communications coordinator).

Other key notable figures responsible for Divas success are Naima Messa Ferrari; Leah Gondi and Lady Treazer.

Last year saw the group’s founder Roselinder Achieng elected as Deputy Secretary General for Gor Mahia executive board.

THE SUGAR BABES…

Sofapaka boast of a massive fan base both locally and all over East Africa.

Amidst all the song and glamour from the stands; there is a group of stylish ladies; who have always kept the beat alive and motivated the boys on the pitch.

Little is known about the dedicated so-called Sugar Babes; who fro 90 minutes of active play spend their time singing and dancing to the Lingala tunes of the Sofapaka Band.

ULINZIRESS…

Not until recently; Ulinzi F.C ; the football club of the Kenya Defense Forces; has unveiled a female base; which is significantly represented in the capital; despite the club being a Nakuru based.

The Ulinziress Chairlady Olga Eglyne Otunga has nothing but praise for the boys; terming them the most disciplined players. Ulinzi boasts also of the most disciplined fans.

TUSKER QUEENS...

Nothing is known about the flamboyant Tusker Queens who support Tusker F.C. their yellow and black jerseys on the stands has become a notable feature especially during big games pitting their team.

For many years; Kenyan fans have been known for their annoying habit of armchair beer swirling. But that is slowly coming to an end.

With our beautiful ladies doubling in the stands to catch a glimpse of the beautiful game; they are truly debunking the macho myth of football being the passion of men only.

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-additional insights from THE NAIROBIAN.