Butere Boys coach explains why school games outshine FKF Premier League in fan turnout
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 01.03.26. | 20:40
Mukolwe spoke to Mozzart Sport during the ongoing Super 8 tournament at Bukhungu Stadium and Kakamega School in Kakamega County, where terraces have been packed to capacity since the competition kicked off on Friday
Former Vihiga United team manager Bousted Mukolwe has weighed in on the growing debate over fan attendance in Kenyan football, offering a candid explanation for why school competitions often attract bigger crowds than FKF Premier League matches.
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Mukolwe spoke to Mozzart Sport during the ongoing Super 8 tournament at Bukhungu Stadium and Kakamega School in Kakamega County, where terraces have been packed to capacity since the competition kicked off on Friday.
The second edition of the Super 8 has brought together eight boys’ teams as part of preparations for the Term Two games set to begin in May.
Among the participants are Green Commandos, Butere Boys, Kirangari, Shandarema, Kisumu Day, 2023 champions St Anthony Boys Kitale, Highway and St Mary’s Yala School.
While school fans throng Bukhungu Stadium and the Kakamega School Mabao Grounds, FKF Premier League fixtures, even those offering free entry, continue to struggle with attendance.
Mukolwe, who doubles up as head coach of Madira Soccer Assassins in the Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL), believes the difference lies in the pressure that surrounds league football.
“Football is entertainment. League games, I think, I have been there before, the investment done in the league makes it more than entertainment. There is pressure on the coaches,” Mukolwe told Mozzart Sport.
“The coaches go into games under pressure to win. And when you are under pressure, there is no essence of playing good football. But when fans go to school games, they see things they have never seen.”
According to the Butere Boys High School tactician, school football offers a freer and more expressive style of play, something that resonates strongly with supporters.
“The players are passing the ball passionately. Go watch Tusker play against Gor Mahia or Shabana, sorry for using those teams, and you will see if a lot of passes are made, they are around three. But with school games, you can spot more than ten passes,” he explained.
“School games have more passes and the kind of entertainment fans are searching for. That is why you see fans coming out, because they know they are going to see new things, new talents and players they have never spotted before.”
In the FKF Premier League, only a handful of clubs consistently command large followings, including AFC Leopards, Shabana, Gor Mahia and Murang’a Seal.
In the National Super League (NSL), teams such as Kabati Youth, Fortune Sacco, 3K FC, Luanda Villa and Mwatate United also enjoy notable fan bases.