There is no doubt that Kenyan football enthusiasts have been steadfast in monitoring how the U20 men’s football team, Rising Stars, have been fairing since arriving in Egypt on Monday, 21 April, for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (U20 AFCON). Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsOne of the reasons why the team has been enjoying solid goodwill from Kenyans is the brand of football they have been playing under coach Salim Babu and their fighting spirit. It was not entirely shocking to see fans turn up in the friendly matches the boys played before travelling to Egypt, and it is encouraging to observe Kenyans actively monitoring the team’s activities in Egypt. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8901266##All along, Mozzart Sport has been at the forefront in primarily informing Kenyans on the pitch affairs of the team, from the qualifiers up to the buildup to the second Group B match against Tunisia. In line with our resolve to keep you fully informed, educated and entertained, we disrupt the flow of team news and pitch activities to bring you some of the interesting facts and off-the-pitch reportsBread is cheap in Egypt While bread is increasingly becoming unaffordable to ordinary Kenyans, five shillings (2 Egyptian pounds) is enough to get you the commodity here in Egypt. AFCON U20: Egypt-based Harambee Stars striker backs Rising Stars to advance to knockout stageEvery meal here is literally accompanied by a piece of bread from different brands and manufacturers. Locals here consider bread their staple food, given its availability and cost. I have also noted heavy consumption of rice. Egyptian pound stronger than shillingThe Egyptian pound is the official currency here, although international currencies like the United States of America’s (US) dollar are acceptable. One Egyptian pound translates to two Kenyan shillings, meaning that their currency is slightly stronger than ours back at home. The Kenyan swimmers joining Rising Stars in making Kenya proud in EgyptThe 200-pound note is the biggest denomination. Other notes include 100, 50, 20 and 10 pounds. The coins come in 50 cents and the pound. Two 50 cents amount to the pound, which has a striking resemblance to the Kenyan 20 shillings coin. Nairobi Matatu culture unmatched For long, public transport buses in Kenya have been associated with unruly behaviour, loud music, blinding LED lights, a lack of respect for other road users and having little or no regard for traffic rules, especially in urban areas. However, truth be told, the buses, which are commonly known as matatus, come in handy for millions in urban areas when it comes to commuting. The graffiti-style artwork and the modernisation of matatus, especially in Nairobi, are definitely attractive to the eye.Kenya U20 coach refuses to blame officiating in “unfortunate” AFCON loss to MoroccoAll these contrasts the Egyptian public transport system, which is simple and devoid of chaos, although there is little use of the indicators, as I have noted that drivers largely rely on the horn when switching lanes. While Nairobi and most of the Kenyan matatus have a turn boy, drivers here collect the fare by themselves. Traffic rules here are strictly observed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8901266##It is rare to see modern and new buses on the roads. Anyway, the majority of the population here have personal cars or use online taxis. Put some respect on Kenyan athletes The Kenyan middle and long-distance athletes have done a remarkable job in marketing and giving Kenya a good reputation in the world, thanks to their performances in global events. Morocco coach throws weight behind Rising Stars, against TunisiaEveryone I meet around, be it at the hotel, shopping mall, stadium and other public places, thinks that I can literally fly on the running track and win road races with ease. This goes to prove that our athletes remain the best ambassadors out there. Hopefully, Rising Stars will do the country proud. PLO Lumumba common hereBesides the athletes, I have observed that Kenyan lawyer Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba is very common here, perhaps due to his enthusiasm in spreading the gospel of Pan-Africanism. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8901286##At first, it shocked me to see locals, especially young men, draw their cellphones and play video clips of Lumumba speaking passionately on matters of governance in Africa. Non-locals working and living in Egypt have also asked me about the former Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission.
