If you are a sports fan, player or stakeholder then this must be a very torrid time to be in business. From competing under strict health guidelines to cancelation of events, the sports industry is facing a very hard time.
In football, clubs like Ushuru FC have been disbanded, many more clubs have had to conduct their business under very tight budgets.
Sports merchandise business is not new in the Kenyan market but many who have tried it have either succeeded or failed terribly.
For Boniface Ambani, a former Kenya international, it is only a matter of chance not luck. The 44-year old ex-striker started selling sports gear in 2011 under the Bochend Sports, soon after retiring from the game.
Known for the famous Givova apparel, Bochend has supplied kits and sportswear to many sports personalities and clubs, something that has made them an accredited and trusted source for any sports gear.
His first piece of business came shortly after he left Yanga when he kitted former Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions Sofapaka and that’s when he saw the opportunity.
In sit down with TeamKenya, Ambani says it has not been an easy road and the current Covid-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult.
“The Covid-19 has affected my business adversely. It has been tough. Being into sports business and going with what's happening in the Sports Industry, it has been so tough. But we thank God for the little we have been getting despite all this,” he told TeamKenya.
The current halt of sporting activities in the country has also not spared his business. Many clubs and sports stations have halted business meaning that there is little traffic coming his way.
“ It's the Government to take the necessary measures to allow sportsmen in the county to continue with sports. It's happening all over the world. I don't understand how special Kenya is for them to put on hold everything. European Leagues, Asian leagues and Africa as a whole all sports are on. Why Kenya? Let them ask the clubs to take necessary measures and allow them to continue with sports. It's even healthier to them than just sitting at home and doing nothing,” He quips.
“I have lost so many opportunities. I deal with clubs, When you lock clubs out of action, I am locked out as a sports businessman and it is quite challenging.”
“We hope things will be back to normal. Once back I am sure we shall be back in business again. But for now, we keep on praying the President reopens the borders again. When? I am not sure. But hope keeps us going,” Says Ambani.
Ambani’s business had begun to flourish and he has opened up two more branches one in Eldoret and the latest in Kakamega. Currently Bochend kits FKF Premier League sides Vihiga United, Western Stima, Bidco United and Nzoia Sugar FC. They have also kitted the National Volleyball team Malkia Strikers and Bunge FC.
Opening the new branches according to Ambani was to reach out to the wider Western region where most of his clients.
“The latest kid on the block is the Kakamega branch. I see a lot of potential clients down here, I am here to see this become a success,” he says.
”We have a contract with Givova, an Italian sports apparel that has identified us as their main suppliers in this region. The brand has each and every product you would like to lay your hands on in sports.”