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Miheso has enjoyed an extensive career across Kenya and abroad, representing clubs including Thika United, Sofapaka, Gor Mahia, Kenya Police FC and AFC Leopards
Former Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards midfielder Clifton Miheso has urged football fans to embrace peaceful coexistence, drawing inspiration from the atmosphere and fan culture he experienced during the Impala Floodlit Tournament.
Miheso attended the quarterfinals and semifinals of the annual rugby tournament, where he was impressed by the excitement, intensity, and closeness between fans and the action on the pitch.
The former Sofapaka winger described the rugby experience as a perfect 10 out of 10, highlighting the freedom fans enjoy at rugby venues and the vibrant matchday atmosphere.
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“The rugby experience is always a 10/10 because you see how excited the fans are. There is food being sold in the venue, the game is so intense, there is a lot of contact, and it is not a foul. I enjoyed myself, and it was a very fun experience for me,” Miheso said.
While acknowledging that football and rugby have their own unique appeal, Miheso pointed to the level of fan involvement in rugby as one of the biggest differences between the two sports.
According to the midfielder, rugby supporters enjoy a closer connection to the action, creating an experience that he believes football can learn from.
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“Both rugby and football are unique in their own way. What stands out for me in rugby is how fans are part of the game, unlike football, where there are so many restrictions when it comes to fans.
“Fans in football cannot get close to the grounds. You see in rugby, we are very close to the pitch, and we experience the game up close. The experience is different in football, but it is also unique in its own way,” he added.
Miheso also challenged football clubs to improve the matchday experience by introducing more food vendors, increasing fan engagement and organising more after-match entertainment.
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He singled out AFC Leopards matches as an opportunity to create a more engaging environment where supporters can enjoy food and socialise while watching their team play.
“In football, I would love to see more food vendors in the venue, especially for AFC Leopards matches. They should bring chicken and ugali, and we can eat and see our team playing.
Things like the after-party should be more common in football. Also fan engagement, because now you see the fans are close to the game,” Miheso noted.
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Beyond entertainment and fan engagement, however, the Kenya international believes the biggest lesson football can take from rugby is the culture of peaceful coexistence among supporters.
Miheso was particularly impressed by how fans supporting opposing teams interacted without hostility, arguing that football should provide a platform for people to enjoy sport together rather than engage in confrontations.
“There is no animosity regardless of the team one is supporting. They coexist together. I think that is what football fans can borrow from rugby.
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It is just a game; no one is dying here, and we are not fighting for anything life or death. Football fans should learn to coexist with each other, and sports should be a peaceful place. We should not come here to fight; everyone should enjoy the game,” he said.
Miheso has enjoyed an extensive career across Kenya and abroad, representing clubs including Thika United, Sofapaka, Gor Mahia, Kenya Police FC and AFC Leopards. He also had spells in Finland, South Africa, Zambia and Portugal, gaining experience across different football cultures.
At international level, he represented Harambee Stars, making his debut in 2012 against Egypt and featuring in Kenya’s successful 2013 CECAFA Cup campaign. He was also part of the national team’s journey to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
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