This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
Published on July 22, 2019, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt was a historic moment for Kenya's national football team, which returned to the continental final for the first time since 2004.
Dr. Peter Waweru, a Pure Mathematics Lecturer at Jomo Kenya University of Agriculture and Technology, made history as the first Kenyan centre referee to officiate at Afcon, while Assistant referee Gilbert Cheruiyot had a flawless outing.
However, behind the scenes, eight Kenyans worked tirelessly to bring the action to life, operating cameras and equipment for TV Production Company Mediapro. The team, led by Senior Camera Operator Francis Ngira, earned rave reviews from Head of Mediapro Production Africa Pablo Ramirez for their outstanding work.
"As Mediapro, we were amazed by how quickly the Kenyan crew adopted our style and philosophy," Ramirez said in an interview with Standard Sports.
He added, "We would have used more Kenyans in Afcon 2019 without hesitation if more opportunities arose because we believe in their artistic and technical abilities."
Mediapro has been working with Kenyan crews since January 2018, producing the Sportpesa Premier League and Afcon qualifiers. The company has also sent four Kenyan crew members to Abu Dhabi to produce the Asian Nations Cup.
"If the Kenya crew continues with the same work ethic, spirit of teamwork, and professionalism exhibited in Cairo at the AFCON, then they will go far," Ramirez said.
Francis Ngira, Senior Camera Operator, described the experience as "surreal" and expressed his desire to work on bigger events like the Olympics and the Fifa World Cup.
Mark Osotsi, Camera Operator, thanked Mediapro for believing in Kenyans and giving them the opportunity to work on such a big event.
Francis Owino, Camera Operator, expressed pride in the Kenya crew's ability to work at a high level and with state-of-the-art equipment.
