Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar were the star guests as Everton launched its latest official Supporters’ Club on Friday evening - The Nairobi Blues.

Marco Silva's side are set to play their pre-season opener in the city on Sunday when they take on SportPesa Cup winners Kariobangi Sharks. 

Goodison favourites Osman and Pienaar were invited to a packed-out Kengales Bar in the Kenyan capital to meet nearly 200 local football fans, the vast majority of whom are passionate Evertonians.

Since jetting into Kenya earlier this week, Pienaar and Osman have been involved in numerous community activities as the Blues strive to leave a lasting legacy in the country.

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Earlier on Friday, the pair met and coached local children in the Kariobangi area of Nairobi – the same district in which, the previous day, they handed out hundreds of items of kit that had been donated by Everton fans as part of SportPesa’s Kits for Africa appeal.

During their guest appearance at the launch event, Pienaar and Osman took part in an on-stage Q&A, before signing autographs and posing for photos with the enthusiastic locals – all keen to relay stories of how they became Evertonians.

The duo also presented members of the newly-formed Nairobi Blues with a certificate to confirm their status as an official Everton Supporters’ Club.

“When we walked into the room, there were so many fans to greet us! Everywhere we have been in Nairobi, we’ve received such a warm welcome,” said Osman.

“Over the years, I have had the privilege to visit a number of Everton Supporters’ Club but to actually get invited down to open a new one is pretty special. Hopefully this is the start and the Nairobi Blues can continue to grow.”

The Nairobi Blues becomes the 133rd official Everton Supporters’ Club, with the Blues represented in all four corners of the globe, including the United States, Canada, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Indonesia.

Scott McLeod, Head of Communications and Engagement, said: "It is hugely exciting to be adding the first official affiliated Everton Supporters' Club in Kenya to our growing list of international fan groups.

“The welcome the Club has received this week in Nairobi has underlined the incredible passion and popularity of the Premier League in Kenya and we are looking forward to working closely with the Supporters' Club to further grow and nurture the Everton fanbase in such a wonderful country."

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