Two Kenyans bag ticket to watch UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul
“This is a dream come true, I can’t wait to watch Kevin De Bryune (Manchester City midfielder) in flesh. I will wave at him or if possible greet him.
These were the sentiments of a Raymond Maranga after bagging a ticket to watch the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League final.
The finale, set for Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2023, will pit English Premier League champions Manchester City and Italian giants Inter Milan.
Maranga and Jaison Jose will attend the finals after bagging two tickets courtesy of the partnership between Mastercard and Vivo Energy Kenya.
They were feted on May 31, 2023, in Nairobi at an event graced by Vivo Energy Kenya MD Peter Murungi and Shehryar Ali, County Manager for East Africa at MasterCard.
“I’m happy to have bagged this ticket and will now travel with my wife and daughter who also support Manchester City. I’m into tourism and this is a lifetime opportunity that is now a reality to me and my family,” said Maranga, who hails from Kisii County.
Jose, a business man in Nairobi however doesn’t know much about football but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t enjoy the trip having watched Brazilian giants Corinthians play before.
“I have travelled a lot and in many countries but have never been to Turkey. When I got wind that there was this promotion, I participated and will be happy to watch the finals after being lucky. It will be a nice experience for a person who likes travelling like me,” said Jose.
The duo will enjoy an all-expenses paid trip, including round-trip flights, 3-days luxury accommodation and will have Category A tickets to the UEFA Champions League Finals among other exclusive activities.
According to Mark Senteu, Vivo Marketing Manager over 30,000 entries were received for the promotion whose only rule was fueling using cashless MasterCard. The process was open and digital methodology was used in coming up with the two winners whom he said will receive a lifetime treat to watch the finals.
Murungi hailed the partnership between Vivo and MasterCard saying they will engage in more activities aimed at giving football fans a chance to attend high octane matches abroad.
“The two winners announced today will embark on an extraordinary journey to witness the UEFA Champions League Finals in Istanbul, experiencing firsthand the power of football to unite and inspire. This campaign has allowed us to engage with our customers in a meaningful way and offer them unforgettable experiences that go beyond their everyday transactions.” said Murungi.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our winners, and we are delighted to offer this extraordinary opportunity to witness the UEFA Champions League Finals,” said Shehryar Ali
Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 5-1 on agggregate in the semis of the tournament to make the final.
Inter Milan meanwhile, eliminated cross town rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
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