Night to remember for Kisumu residents as EPL trophy makes first visit

As the English Premier League original trophy made its first ever stop in Kisumu on Friday, the lake side residents kicked off their weekend wearing smiles that masked the somber mood that had engulfed them as the region marked the first anniversary of their political kingpin Raila Odinga.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsIt was a long but thrilling day as the trophy tour brought the lakeside city to life on Friday, 16 October at Berlin Lounge.The residents were treated to a memorable blend of football, music and entertainment that kept the city buzzing well into the night.STARS ABROAD: Olunga dazzles after first start in seven monthsThe first fans began streaming into Berlin Lounge as early as 2:00 pm, eager to catch a glimpse of one of football’s most recognisable prizes. However, the excitement had started hours earlier.The trophy landed in Kisumu at 8:00 am, accompanied by a Guinness delegation and tight security, setting the stage for a packed day of activities that included media tours, photography sessions and public viewing.Before making its way to the main venue, the coveted silverware was taken to Atella Beach for a photography session, offering an opportunity to capture the trophy against the scenic backdrop of the lakeside city.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036887##It then headed to Dondez Club in Kondele for public viewing, where the excitement was impossible to miss.For a moment, the usually bustling Kondele area appeared to pause as residents gathered to admire the iconic trophy.Phones came out, cameras flashed, and expressions of disbelief turned into wide smiles as fans stood before a prize they had previously only watched their favourite teams lift on television.For some, the experience felt almost surreal, as though they were dreaming.Odhiambo opens up on handling pressure on his Gor Mahia debutLuke Onyango, one of the residents who viewed the trophy, described the experience as a special moment for football fans in Kisumu.“Seeing the Premier League trophy here in Kisumu is something special. We normally watch these moments on television, so getting an opportunity to see the trophy up close is an incredible experience. It is a day we will remember for a long time,” Onyango said.Joseph Ochieng was equally excited about the opportunity to see the iconic silverware in person.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036870##“I never imagined I would get this close to the Premier League trophy. Football is something that brings people together, and seeing so many fans turn up to celebrate shows just how much we love the game. The entertainment has also made the experience even better,” Ochieng said.Judith Kapela praised the organisers for bringing the experience to Kisumu, noting that the occasion offered residents an opportunity to celebrate football while enjoying a day of entertainment.“This is the kind of experience we want to see more often in Kisumu. We have enjoyed seeing the trophy, taking pictures and sharing the moment with other football fans. STARS ABROAD: Ochieng makes European debut as Tera captains Ararat-ArmeniaThe music and performances have made it even more exciting. It has been a beautiful way to start the weekend,” Kapela said.As the day progressed, attention shifted to Berlin Lounge, where the organisers had prepared for an evening of football, music and entertainment.Security was tight, food vendors were ready to serve, and waitresses were on hand to welcome the anticipated crowds. The shisha stations were also in place as the venue prepared to host what would become a lively celebration. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GK Wasafi (@gkserkal) Entry was set at three Guinness beers, and residents turned up in large numbers, with queues growing as more revellers arrived hoping to be part of the experience.The turnout was so impressive that organisers had introduced an additional tent to accommodate the growing crowd, while extra speakers were brought in to enhance the music experience.Despite a brief interruption when the lights flickered, the atmosphere remained electric, with anticipation building as residents waited for the main attraction.Adel Amrouche compares his Harambee Stars tenure to Benni McCarthy'sThen came the moment everyone had been waiting for.Harry and Leeroy arrived carrying the Premier League trophy, accompanied by heavy security. The lights went off as the trophy was assembled, building suspense before the silverware was finally unveiled in all its glory.Within minutes, the trophy was on full display, drawing cheers from the crowd.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036853##Fireworks lit up the occasion as fans were given an opportunity to take photographs with the iconic prize. Phones were raised, cameras clicked, and the excitement continued to grow as residents made memories with a trophy that has defined some of football’s greatest moments.But the night’s entertainment was far from over.Just as fans were settling into the celebrations, renowned DJ Joe Mfalme made his entrance, sending the crowd into a frenzy.Tens of millions FKF will receive from CAF's annual fundingThe celebrated entertainer took control of the decks, delivering a high-energy set that transformed the venue into a massive dance floor.Suddenly, it was difficult to tell who had two left feet. Revellers danced without hesitation, with the infectious energy of the lakeside crowd adding its own flavour to the party.The ladies, in particular, brought the kind of energy that turned the dance floor into a spectacle of its own. View this post on Instagram A post shared by GuinnessAfrica (@guinness_africa) Then came the headline act.Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones, popularly known as Papa Jones, took to the stage and kept the crowd buzzing with a performance that lasted close to two hours.The rapper delivered a non-stop show, feeding off the crowd’s energy as revellers sang along and enjoyed every moment.Gor Mahia head coach provides update on suspended Harambee Stars duoBy then, Berlin Lounge had become a celebration of music, culture and the beautiful game, with the party continuing well into the early hours of Saturday.Speaking during the event, Kenya Breweries Limited head of beers Roland Ofori highlighted the role Guinness plays in creating shared experiences, noting that the occasion extended beyond giving fans an opportunity to see the Premier League trophy.“At Guinness, we believe that great moments are even better when shared. The Premier League brings together millions of fans across the world, and this trophy tour gives us an opportunity to bring that passion closer to the people of Kisumu. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10036885##It is not just about seeing the trophy; it is about creating experiences that bring communities together through football, music and entertainment,” Ofori said.He added that the initiative was designed to give residents an opportunity to celebrate their shared interests while creating lasting memories.“We wanted the people of Kisumu to be part of something special, to come together, celebrate their love for football and create lasting memories. Gor Mahia coach admits to seeking mental health professional for players after tough pre-seasonThe energy and turnout we have witnessed demonstrate the power of bringing people together around the things they love,” he said.Up next, the trophy will be in Nairobi where it will be on full display at 1824 and Kettle House.

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