Lee Judges, Robbie Lyle, Safaricom's Zizwe Awour and Cecil Jee Thomas/CHARLENE MALWAAFTV founder Robbie Lyle has challenged Kenyan football content creators to treat their passion as a business, saying consistency, originality and patience are the keys to building sustainable careers in the fast-growing digital media industry.
Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Saturday ahead of the AFTV Kenya Tour, Lyle said Kenya has all the ingredients needed to produce globally recognised football creators, thanks to its vibrant football culture and growing digital community.
"We've always known Kenya has one of the strongest Arsenal communities in Africa. This visit isn't just about meeting supporters; it's about connecting with young creators, sharing ideas and showing that football content can become a career. Fans are no longer just watching football—they're helping shape the conversation around it," said Lyle.
He urged aspiring creators to focus on producing authentic content consistently rather than chasing overnight success, noting that the digital revolution has opened opportunities well beyond traditional journalism.
"Football has become a platform for opportunity. If you've got creativity and consistency, there are real possibilities to build something meaningful around the game you love. We want young Kenyans to see that."
Lyle said the modern football content ecosystem offers careers in video production, photography, podcasting, graphic design, social media management and live streaming, allowing talented young people to earn a living while doing what they enjoy.
AFTV panellist Lee Judges said Kenyan creators already possess the passion needed to succeed and only need to believe in their abilities.
"The passion here is incredible. You see young people creating content before, during and after every match. That's what football is about now—fans telling their own stories. Hopefully our visit encourages even more creators to back themselves because there's a huge audience waiting for authentic voices," he said.
Lyle said AFTV's own journey demonstrates what is possible. What started as post-match fan interviews outside Arsenal's Emirates Stadium has grown into one of the world's biggest independent football fan media platforms, attracting millions of followers through supporter-driven analysis, interviews and debate.
He said Kenya's football content scene is equally well positioned for growth, with more creators turning to YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, photography, videography, event hosting and brand partnerships to generate income.
The AFTV team's visit comes months after Kenya attracted global attention when thousands of Arsenal supporters flooded the streets to celebrate the club's Premier League title triumph.
Videos of the celebrations spread rapidly across social media, highlighting the country's enormous football following and the power of fan-generated content.
Also attending the press conference were Serena Africa Group Marketing Director Maureen Okore and Safaricom Director of Brand and Marketing Zizwe Awuor, underscoring growing corporate support for the creator economy.
The AFTV delegation, comprising Lyle, Cecil Jee Thomas, Lee Judges and Kenyan Lyle, will meet Arsenal supporters at KonQa 254 on Sunday as they continue a tour aimed at inspiring the next generation of football content creators.
