Do not field academy kids: Kenyans warn Bayern Munich ahead of Ajax fixture in Nairobi

Kenyans on social media have flooded the comment section of FC Bayern Munich’s post confirming their exhibition match against Ajax Amsterdam at the newly constructed Raila Odinga International Stadium on Tuesday, January 5, 2027, in Nairobi.

The high-profile friendly, announced by President William Ruto on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, will be part of the celebrations marking the opening of the international stadium and is expected to offer Kenyan football fans an opportunity to watch two of Europe’s most recognisable clubs in action.

The match will also serve as a build-up event for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania from June to July.

The tournament will be the first AFCON edition staged across three countries and will mark the competition’s return to East Africa after more than five decades.

Bayern Munich board member for marketing and sales Rouven Kasper said the trip would strengthen the club’s relationship with its supporters across Africa while expanding its international reach.

“FC Bayern has millions of fantastic fans in Africa with whom we feel a close connection – it’s a continent with a huge passion for football. For many years, we have consistently maintained a presence in America and Asia with our ‘Audi Summer Tour’.

“Now we have a new opportunity to further strengthen our connection with our fans in Africa too, to allow people to experience FC Bayern first-hand and to underline our club’s international appeal. We will be making a further contribution to raising the profile of the Bundesliga and are very much looking forward to this special event,” he said.

The fixture is expected to attract considerable attention as Kenya steps up preparations to host Africa’s biggest football tournament.

Following the development, below are the views aired by football enthusiasts in Kenya:

Facebook user by the name Hezbon Odhaimbo said, “Academy players are No. Olise, Kane, Diaz are yes.”

Makhtoum Nelson: “Are you bringing the first team or legends?”

Imanuel Mwambi: “FC Bayern München, if you are going to play academy players, we are not boarding. We want a full squad, Harry Kane, Olise…Gose naki?”

The Ollessos National Polytechnic Football Club: “Academy players are a NO! AND MAKE SURE KANE WILL BE TRAVELLING WITH HIS BALLON D’OR. Kuona shi ngapi?”

Royal Prince: “Na make sure team inakuja kucheza sio team B, because we are not going to buy tickets. We want to be entertained. Enewei, mnaeza tuonyesha lineup on date 5 December if you don’t mind.”

The invitation to Ajax and Bayern Munich for the opening match was accompanied by warm words from the organisers for both clubs. The match between six-time and four-time UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich and Ajax, respectively, is regarded by the organisers as a major football event in East Africa.

The opening of a special new stadium in front of a huge African audience, a meeting between two major names in international football and a defining moment for Kenya on the road to the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

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