They say the 12th man in soccer is the fans, who play a crucial role in any football club worldwide. It is always a sad occasion when this essential player is unable to attend home or away matches due to unavoidable circumstances.
The morale of any soccer team is significantly boosted by the presence of the 12th man – the fans. Gor Mahia is no exception; their supporters flock to Avrey Football Stadium to cheer for their team. They arrive in droves, in a jovial mood, ready to uplift their team’s spirit.
Fans often come prepared with various messages, either for fun or to communicate something to the opponent, media, or club management. While this can sometimes have a positive impact, one particular occasion was different and unique: Gor Mahia had just lost its main shirt sponsor.
In 2011, Gor Mahia FC officially announced the biggest sponsorship deal in Kenya Premier League (KPL) history. This multi-year agreement with Tuzo was worth $452,000 in total. The sponsorship helped cover players’ salaries, logistical operations, and the cost of newly branded team apparel. The deal excited the Green Army, prompting them to rush to retail stores and supermarkets to purchase Tuzo milk. Every K’Ogalo household had at least five packets of Tuzo each week, quickly making Brookside, the manufacturer, very popular.
Fans quickly recognized that drinking Tuzo milk at the stadium was a healthier option than the typical Tusker canned beer, bolstered by the widespread belief that milk mitigates the effects of alcohol.
However, this happiness was short-lived when Tuzo abruptly declined to renew its contract with Gor Mahia three years later, citing concerns about the negative image created due to hooliganism from a segment of the fanbase. This decision angered K’Ogalo supporters, leading them to boycott Tuzo and return to their previous choices.
In the stadium, fans demonstrated their disappointment with Tuzo. Many removed the beautiful Tuzo logo from their jerseys, leaving the area bare and exposed.
Despite this setback, Gor Mahia continued to thrive. On the day Tuzo ended its sponsorship, Gor Mahia won another title in an entertaining match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.