Media personality Steve Thompson Maghana, alias Oga Obinna, has offered his perspective on what Kenyan football needs to attract more supporters and grow its appeal.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsSpeaking to Mozzart Sport, Obinna argued that footballers need to embrace showbiz, cultivate distinctive personalities and build personal brands beyond the pitch to draw more fans to the local game.McCarthy opens up on emotional Orlando return as Harambee Stars prepare for Bafana BafanaHe believes clubs and players cannot rely solely on the quality of football to attract spectators, insisting that entertainment, individuality and the ability to connect with audiences are equally important in making the sport more appealing.“Why should I come and watch a stranger playing football if I have no personal interest in them? In business, people buy feelings and experiences, not just products?” he posed.##NAJAVA_MECA_10105824##Obinna believes footballers must find ways of making themselves interesting beyond their performances on the pitch, pointing to fashion, personality and lifestyle as some of the elements that could help create a stronger connection between players and supporters.“Football is an amazing sport, but one has to have something apart from what happens on the football pitch that attracts people to the game. Aldrine Kibet rallies fans ahead of Kenya U23 clash against Ivory CoastIt could be how players dress, their personalities, their lifestyle or how they carry themselves. Someone can be incredibly talented on the field, but what happens after the final whistle?” he posed.Obinna further challenged Kenyan footballers to recognise the opportunities that come with building a public profile.##NAJAVA_MECA_10105841##“Of course, it depends on what individual players want. Some might be interested in building their personal brands and establishing their worth outside football, while others may not be interested in that. Everyone has their own ambitions, but personally, I believe showbiz should be encouraged among Kenyan footballers,” he added.Wanyama, Oliech lead star-studded Harambee Stars Legends squad to face Arsenal LegendsTo illustrate his point, Obinna referenced former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech, who was known for his bold fashion choices and willingness to experiment with unconventional outfits.He argued that Kenyan football has gradually lost some of the individuality that previously made certain players stand out beyond their performances.##NAJAVA_MECA_10105794##“There was a time when players like Dennis Oliech would experiment with their fashion, wearing skirts and other unconventional outfits. Nowadays, we see less of that kind of individuality among our players,” he observed.Obinna further cited international football stars such as Mario Balotelli and Cristiano Ronaldo, arguing that distinctive hairstyles and fashion choices can help players become trendsetters and generate conversations beyond the football pitch.McCarthy threatens FIFA, CAF action over unpaid salaries as Harambee Stars face South AfricaAccording to him, a player does not necessarily have to be the best performer in a match to attract attention, as personal style and individuality can also make them memorable.“Sometimes, the end justifies the means. You might not necessarily be the best player on the pitch, but you could distinguish yourself through your appearance. For instance, you could shave your hair like Mario Balotelli and become a trendsetter.##NAJAVA_MECA_10105812##Look at Ronaldo’s hairstyle during the 1998 World Cup. These are things that create conversations and make players memorable beyond their performances,” he said.The media personality also pointed to the fashion statements made by international footballers when arriving at stadiums, particularly when they step off their team buses.Harambee Stars fans question England-based midfielder's surprise call-upHe believes those moments are not merely about dressing well but are deliberate opportunities for players to showcase their identities, strengthen their public profiles and attract commercial interest.“Why do you think international footballers arriving at stadiums, especially when they alight from their team buses, often turn it into a fashion show? Look at how they dress and present themselves. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10105829##They understand exactly what they are doing. They are building their personal brands and positioning themselves for opportunities beyond football,” he explained.Obinna maintained that personal branding could also open doors to endorsement deals and partnerships, with companies increasingly looking for personalities who can give their products visibility and connect with specific audiences.Price and where to buy Bayern vs Ajax tickets set for Talanta StadiumHe challenged Kenyan footballers to look beyond their salaries and match performances and appreciate the commercial opportunities available outside the sport.“That is where brand endorsements come in. A brand would be interested in partnering with a player who can give it visibility and connect with audiences,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_10105825##“Footballers need to understand that there are opportunities and potential clients outside the pitch. You should not limit your value to what you do during the 90 minutes of a match,” he concluded.
1