Football greats set to light up Nyayo in Arsenal-Kenya legends clash

Former Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu /HANDOUTArsenal legends will face a star-studded Harambee Stars Greats team in the Legends Cup at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, November 13.

The match will kick off at 7 pm, with Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu captaining Arsenal and former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama leading the Kenyan side.

The organisers say the match will bring together former stars for an evening of football and entertainment. “Football nostalgia, glamour and excitement will take centre stage as Arsenal Legends face Harambee Stars Legends at Nyayo National Stadium,” the organisers said in a statement.

Kanu was the first African player to feature for Arsenal, while Wanyama became the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League. Both players helped open doors for other African footballers to play at the highest level.

Arsenal will bring a 24-member team to Nairobi. Former players expected to feature include Bacary Sagna, Gervinho, Alex Song and Yaya Sanogo.

They will face a Kenyan team made up of former Harambee Stars players and local football greats. The squad includes McDonald Mariga, Dennis Oliech, John Bobby Ogola, Francis Kahata, Francis Onyiso, Jamal Mohammed, JJ Masiga and Mahmoud Abbas.

The organisers said the match would give fans a chance to see some of their former heroes back on the pitch. “This encounter offers Kenyan fans a rare opportunity to reconnect with some of the most celebrated players in international and local football,” they said.

SuperSport will broadcast the match live, allowing fans who cannot attend to follow the action.

Organisers are also in talks with a well-known international referee to officiate the match. He will be assisted by Kenyan referees who hold FIFA certification.

The visiting Arsenal legends will also meet young footballers during a coaching clinic at Crawford International School on Saturday, November 14.

The clinic will give young players a chance to learn from the former stars and get advice on how to improve their game. “The coaching clinic will allow young aspiring footballers to interact with experienced professionals and learn what it takes to succeed in the game,” the statement said.

The organisers said they also want to use the event to grow football among young players. “Our ambition goes beyond the match. We want to use football’s enduring appeal to inspire young talent and strengthen grassroots football development,” they said.

Tickets are available through M-Tickets and My Tickets, and fans have been urged to book early.