DOHA, Qatar, Nov 27 – A random call, a stranger informing you that you have won a trip to Doha to watch the FIFA World Cup…. These are ingredients for what many of Kenyans today would judge to be a scam call.
And, that is what almost all of the four winners of the ‘Twende Qatar na Odibets’ promotion felt when they first received a call from leading Kenyan betting firm that they had won a trip of a lifetime to watch the global soccer extravaganza.
“When they called me at first, I honestly thought it was a scam. I asked myself some questions in my head. When they asked me to send in my passport and COVID certificate, now I began feeling like it was real. And funny enough, soon I did when everything is confirmed,” said Robert Odinga, a Homabay-based businessman who is one of the winners.
He added; “I really want to thank Odibets because this is an experience I don’t think I would have ever had in my life. As a football fan, it is a dream come true.”
His sentiments are shared by Hitler Rikoi who comes from Garissa. “I could not believe the first time honestly. But when now everything started unfolding, and they didn’t ask me to send anything like money, I believed it was true.”
For all of them, it was the first time on a flight outside the country, and the excitement has been real since touching down in Doha early Friday morning.
“I was really excited when I got off the plane and we drove into Doha City. That is now when the reality started sinking in. It was my first time ever travelling and the thrill of the flight, meeting new people was really unexplainable,” Benjamin Ogoti, a teacher by profession says.
“This is a great opportunity for me honestly. It means the whole world to me. Getting an opportunity to watch a World Cup live is something not to take for granted. I really want to thank Odibets for this opportunity,” he added.
The winners were selected from a random process by betting form Odibets, in a bid to reward their loyal customers with a once in a lifetime experience.
To qualify for the draw to be selected, loyal punters were required to place a multibet of five or more teams with a stake of Sh99 and total minimum odd of 5.9. A draw was then conducted where the first five lucky winners were picked.
“This is a big indicator for us as we had promised from the word go when we started all this. We have intentions of doing big things this season. We wanted to bring guys to experience Qatar, like what is the way of life here, drive through to the magnificent stadiums, have an opportunity to share ground with these soccer celebrities,” said Dedan Mungai, the Odibets General Manager.
He added; “We also got to award some of our best performing staff and this as well was very key for us. We also brought in influencers who have been working with us because at some point, the most you can do is give back.”
There will be a second batch of winners coming in from December 1-3.
The first batch will get an opportunity to watch a match live at the Al Thumama Stadium on Sunday, when African giants Morocco take on Belgium in their second Group F match, the game kicking off at 4pm local time.
“This is a great game and I am really excited to be watching it first hand and straight from the stadium. I am just used to seeing such stuff on TV but on Sunday, I will be at the stadium. I am excited and I can’t wait,” said Robinson Daniel, one of the winners.
