Celebrated AFTV host Robbie set to meet Ingwe players during Kenya tour

AFTV founder Robbie Lyle. He is set to visit Kenya. [Courtesy]

Renowned sports influencer and AFTV founder Robbie Lyle is set to meet AFC Leopards players during his upcoming visit to Kenya, where he will share motivational tips and insights with the team, Standard Sport has established.

Simply known as "Robbie" to his global followers, the British media personality, who commands millions of followers online, is expected to arrive in Nairobi tomorrow for a series of events.

His itinerary includes a fan-packed watch party at KONQAZ Club on Sunday, where he will watch the highly anticipated English Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal. 

Robbie will also engage with local content creators in Nairobi, offering them practical tips on how to generate income from digital platforms.

"We have a wonderful experience lined up for the youth and football fans. As an experienced online guru Robbie is bringing with him both fan zone experience and motivational tips on how our content creators can monetize their talents," explained Ken Mathiu, the event organiser.

Additionally, Robbie has confirmed via his Instagram that he plans to explore Nairobi’s nightlife, with a scheduled appearance at Red Room on Saturday night.

A former musician and surveyor, Lyle shot to global fame after founding Arsenal Fan TV — now known as AFTV — 15 years ago.

His grassroots-style interviews with Arsenal fans outside the Emirates Stadium went viral, particularly after the club’s poor performances, and have since inspired similar fan-led sports shows across the globe, including in Kenya.

Robbie’s groundbreaking media model has taken him to fan events around the world, with past visits to Ghana, Nigeria, the U.S., and Sierra Leone under the “Meet Arsenal Fans” banner.

His potential visit to the AFC Leopards training ground comes at a critical time for the historic Kenyan club, which has struggled both on and off the pitch in recent years, often overshadowed by archrivals Gor Mahia. The two rivals are set to clash in the second leg of Mashemeji derby at Kasarani Stadium this Sunday. He will visit the club after the derby. 

Once a powerhouse of Kenyan football and home to legends like the late Joe Kadenge, Elijah Lidonde and JJ Masiga among others, Leopards last lifted the league title in 1998.

Currently, the team sits sixth in the 18-team FKF Premier League with just a few matches remaining in the season.

Off the field, the club has faced persistent challenges, including delayed salaries and legal battles over staff payments — making Lyle’s visit and motivational session particularly timely.

His model has inspired a wave of social media entrepreneurs at a time when traditional media is undergoing significant disruption.