Gor Mahia Vice Chairperson Sally Bolo has praised the conduct of supporters during the FKF Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia at Gusii Stadium played on Sunday 11th Nanuary 2026, describing the peaceful outcome as a significant step forward for crowd management and match organisation in Kenyan football.
The fixture had been flagged as high-risk due to its charged history, regional pride, and past incidents involving fan unrest. In response, organisers implemented enhanced security measures and coordination between clubs, law enforcement, and football authorities. The result was a matchday that passed without incident, an outcome Bolo believes should be viewed as a structural success rather than a coincidence.
“Gusii Stadium gave us football the right way,” Bolo said, noting that while the game ended goalless, it delivered a more meaningful victory in terms of discipline, planning, and respect for the sport.
Her remarks underscore a growing recognition within local football leadership that sustainable growth hinges not only on results on the pitch, but also on governance, fan behaviour, and infrastructure readiness. The peaceful atmosphere at Gusii Stadium offered a sharp contrast to previous seasons where similar fixtures were marred by crowd trouble, leading to sanctions, venue bans, and reputational damage.
Bolo attributed the success to collective responsibility, acknowledging the role played by FKF, the host club Shabana FC, Gor Mahia management, and security agencies in ensuring seamless coordination.
Beyond the immediate fixture, the match has broader implications for Kenyan football. It strengthens the case for hosting high-profile games outside traditional venues, reassures sponsors and broadcasters of improved risk management, and demonstrates that fan culture can evolve positively when properly guided.
Bolo concluded by stating that the Gusii Stadium experience should serve as a reference point going forward, arguing that safe, vibrant, and well-managed stadium environments are essential if Kenyan football is to attract investment, grow attendance, and rebuild trust with stakeholders.
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