By Fredrick Nadulli,

When giant broadcast company Supersport set base in Kenya,the football landscape experienced a massive shakeup never before seen or felt in this country.

It was a strong tidal wave that virtually swept everything in its path.Naturally the excitement was palpable among all stakeholders,more so players,eager and itching to see their perfomances captured and aired live before audiences across Africa and beyond.

Before that,matches were aired alright,on terrestrial television via the national broadcaster,but only within a small radius.The then quality of transmission is a topic for another day.Having a broadcaster of international repute assume the mantle took it to a whole new level altogether.

Over half a decade down the line,the Supersport success story echoes from Cape to Cairo and Banjul to Asmara.The trickle down effect can be summarised thus;

EXPOSURE TO PLAYERS

Kenyan players have been thrust into the limelight and earned the much needed exposure so much so that earning a trial invitation is no longer a big deal.Players are attracting attention from all quarters.

The power of live transmission.In the days of yore,Kenyan footballers lacked a platform to showcase their skills in the hope of hitting the eye of a foreign scout searching for talent.They struggled to piece together clips before dispatching them for assesment by prospective talent scouts.

Those days are history.A scout watching anywhere can get his man without actually clocking the airmiles.They can easily follow the perfomances of their intended target by watching a couple of matches.By the time a trial invite comes in,they are almost certainly sure of the qualities theyre after.

COACHES’ ANALYSIS

Tacticians now have the opportunity to access videos and analyse their teams move by move.By setting aside a team session where they can sit down with players and dissect every move helps in general team tactics and approach.Players are able to see their strengths and weaknesses and tacticians are likewise able to assess how their tactics rub off on the whole team.

FINANCIAL GAINS,TEAM and INDIVIDUAL HONOURS

Supersport brought with it not only the exposure through the lens,but also much needed financial support to hitherto cash strapped sides through grants.Previously most clubs struggled to stay afloat,honour away fixtures or even cater for their wage bills.

The quartely grants to clubs have enabled them overcome some of these challenges.Whats more,at the end of the season all clubs in the top division are entitled to incentive pay depending on the final rankings.This has provided motivation and afforded healthy competition to finish as high as possible.And with a little to spare,individuals are honoured for exemplary perfomances that has brought more hunger for success.

BETTER TIDINGS

While there is still so much room for improvement,the current situation brings hope to aspiring youngsters hoping to make a career out of football.

With Supersport’s continued coverage its a total contrast from the far cry of ‘those days’.
Things can only get better.

N/B The Writer is a Former Kenyan International and Mathare united player

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com