Arsenal Fans in Kampala Celebrate Strong Premier League Start with Goat Feast

The goat probably had no idea what Arsenal fan Ronald Afeku had planned for Saturday. By the end of the day, however, it had become the centrepiece of a celebration — and, unfortunately for the goat, the main course.

For most Arsenal fans, a strong start to the Premier League season means bragging rights, “Come On You Gunners!” chants, match-day banter and endless football arguments. For Afeku, a passionate Gunners supporter in Kampala, it meant something more serious: the goat had to pay the price.

With Arsenal giving their supporters another reason to smile, Afeku decided that simply shouting “COYG!” was not enough. He slaughtered a goat and turned his excitement into a family feast.

And Afeku’s Arsenal jersey is no ordinary piece of clothing in the household. He wears it with pride, and when it gets dirty after all that Gunners enthusiasm, it is his wife who takes responsibility for washing it.

Even the children have a role in keeping their father’s Arsenal colours looking fresh. When soap is needed, they are sent out to buy it so the famous red-and-white jersey can be washed and ready for the next match.

So, according to Afeku, Arsenal’s strong start has finally given the family another reason to celebrate — and perhaps another reason to keep that jersey clean.

Dressed proudly in the Arsenal home jersey, Afeku concentrated on cutting the meat into small pieces for cooking, while his wife helped him handle and arrange the meat.

The scene brought together football, family and food, with Arsenal very much at the heart of it.

“When Arsenal starts well, I feel happy as a fan and as a family. This is our way of celebrating and sharing that happiness together,” Afeku said.

And while Arsenal fans were busy saying “Come On You Gunners!”, one goat was having a very different kind of match day.

The celebration reflects the passion of Arsenal supporters in Uganda, where supporting the Gunners often goes far beyond watching 90 minutes of football.

A good result can mean bragging rights, WhatsApp debates with rival fans, endless discussions about players, victory chants and family gatherings. At Afeku’s home, it also meant a goat heading for the cooking pot.

For Afeku, the Arsenal jersey is almost part of the family. He wears it proudly, his wife washes it when it gets dirty, and the children help by making sure there is soap to keep it clean.

Now, with Arsenal giving him and his family something to celebrate, Afeku has added another tradition to the household — a feast for the Gunners.

“When the Gunners win, my family joins me in the celebration. It is always better when you can share the happiness with your family,” he said.

Arsenal’s huge following in Uganda and across Africa has created a passionate supporter culture, with fans finding creative ways to show their loyalty.

Some sing. Some dance. Some wear the jersey everywhere. Some spend match day arguing with rival supporters.

Afeku, meanwhile, has a simpler formula: wear the jersey, keep it clean, cheer for Arsenal — and when the Gunners give you a reason to celebrate, bring out the goat.

For his family, Saturday was therefore more than a football celebration. It was a reward for the whole household — including the wife who washes the jersey and the children sent to buy the soap.

The Gunners may have won the points and the hearts of their supporters, but at Afeku’s home, one goat definitely lost the match.

Final whistle: Arsenal 1, Goat 0.