City Stars Launch New Face of Professional Soccer in Kenya
October 21, 2008 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
Early in the morning of October 17th 2008 everyone at the World Hope Center in Nairobi (Kenya) was up and about trying to rush against time as they prepared for the long awaited event.
It was the official hand over of the World Hope FC, a Kenyan Premiership team (currently in 6th place) to their new owners AIS Kenya as they launched the Nairobi City Stars. The event was quite colorful and exciting.
The media event was covered by: Nation News at 7:00pm and 9:00pm, Citizen News, Kiss 100 radio, Family TV, K24, and other media all around Africa.
In addition to the great media coverage, the launch of the Nairobi City Stars was a great success, the first of its kind in Kenya. The team portrayed inspiration, motivation and hope for a better tomorrow. Players briefly showed their skills and what they have in store for the new team, their supporters gave them moral support showing their satisfaction with the decision by the management.
The new management (Justine Birchi - President, Benji Mutuku - Exe. Director and former CCS Player Stephen Rigby as GM) showed enthusiasm and excitement. This gave everyone the confidence that this was not just a profitable decision but a wise one. From the different speeches of the new management, it was clear that they all shared the same vision for the team i.e. Bringing Hope Through Football! They all have great expectations from the team and themselves.
World Hope FC, now known as the Nairobi City Stars, will bring change not just to the City of Nairobi but to the world at large.
Special guest at the celebration was Kenyan soccer icon and City Stars Defender, Musa Otieno, who will be the new front man and Vice-President for the new Venture.
"From what I saw at Cleveland and if that is the direction NCS wants to take for this club then it is the right thing to do." He added "With the new partners I believe their impact on Kenyan Premier League will be great. They are committed to developing players football wise and spiritually."
The event ended in celebration with the belief that this was was the beginning of a new and greater success.
City Stars General Manager, Mark Geissbauer commented "This is an extremely exciting day for all of us. It is always very special to see a vision or dream become reality. Today is one of those days. The staff and management in Nairobi has been working very diligently to make this happen and we are very proud of everyone of them. I am confident that the Nairobi City Stars will not only have a major impact on the professional soccer in Africa, but also on their community in Kangware and in the life of each player."
You can find out more under www.nairobicitystars.com.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 21, 2008
- City Stars Launch New Face of Professional Soccer in Kenya - Cleveland City Stars
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