This was particularly interesting as Cape Town as a football community is known for its staunch Liverpool and Manchester United supporters. But on this day, the few Liverpool supporters were cowering in fear of the sheer numbers of Arsenal supporters

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By: Aziz Jacobs

Sitting at university in Cape Town, South Africa on the day of the all important second leg Champions League clash against Liverpool, I noticed something very interesting. The amount of Arsenal merchandise on show was considerable. From scarfs and caps, to scullcaps, replica shirts and even the occasional Arsenal backpack, the majority of the university was wearing the red and white of the Arsenal.

This was particularly interesting as Cape Town as a football community is known for its staunch Liverpool and Manchester United supporters. But on this day, the few Liverpool supporters were cowering in fear of the sheer numbers of Arsenal supporters.

This made me think. Peter Kenyon, MD of Chelsea, spoke some time ago about Chelsea Football Clubs’ vision to become the leading global football club, surpassing traditional powerhouses Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Manchester United in the popularity stakes. It seems that Arsenal, through their sheer entertainment value on the pitch, has surpassed these teams in terms of popularity, in Cape Town at least. This is a clear indication that silverware does not guarantee popularity. Chelsea have won a fair amount of trophies over the past few seasons, yet Chelsea supporters are few and far between. Who would honestly like to say they support a team of drones, with a combined flair rating of zero? The English Premier League, as advertised by our local sport broadcaster, Supersport, is the “most watched drama on television”.

That statement sums up the Premier League perfectly. It is a drama. It is there to entertain, and it does so with some aplomb. The highs and lows that loyal supporters go through on a weekly basis are typical of a drama series, with twists and turns happening from start to finish. It is a rollercoaster ride that enthralls viewers from all over the world. The main characters in this “drama” are the big four teams, with, in my opinion, Arsenal as the protagonists. They have all the qualities to be labeled as such. Likeable, enjoyable, and aesthitically pleasing, they embody everything a protagonist should.

There is no reason that Arsenal cannot become the worlds leading football brand. Through the silky play and steady player development, the trophies will come. The trophies will provide us with an even larger fanbase, and who knows, we may become that leading global brand that Peter Kenyon and Chelsea are striving to acheive.