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Relief for Gor, AFC after sponsor steps in to offer the much-needed help

Friday, June 19th, 2020 00:00 | By
A fan of record Kenya Football League champions Gor Mahia makes adummy call during a Kenya Premier League (KPL) match at Nyayo National Stadium. Photo/PD/SPORTPICHA

Local football giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are breathing a sigh of relief after reportedly attracting a total Shs 285 million three-year sponsorship deal from new kids on the block Betsafe.

The rival clubs have struggled financially after main sponsors SportPesa dropped out last year in August . 

K’Ogalo will get Sh55 million annually in the deal including a five million shillings kitty token while Ingwe will bag Sh40 million per year for the period under agreement. 

The Swedish sports betting brand which is yet to be registered in the country is a subsidiary of BET HIGH United Kingdom and is set to  launch  operations in Kenyan market in the coming months.

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier through a press statement welcomed the move: “We are very happy to announce this deal with Betsafe.

A very welcomed message to all our fans that we have secured long term financial support from a strong and safe partner.

With Betsafe, we get an engaged and reliable partner with a focus on responsible gaming.

But also, a partner who shares our passion and values about football and the excitement that comes with it,” said Rachier who has faced criticism on the way he has handled players’ welfare.

Club CEO Lodvick Aduda on his part has stated that now the tense atmosphere at the camp will be addressed explicitly. 

“Since we lost our title sponsors last year it has been tough without money but now we can be able to take care of the needs of the players.

Issues around salaries and allowances can now be dealt with so that our guys do not continue suffering since we have arrears of five months.

We have player arrears of five months so it tells you the situation is dire,” he told sister station Milele FM during a live interview yesterday.

He added that the club would now look at the needs of the coach in regards of adding depth to the squad after recommendations of a committee that will be set up.

AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda expressed optimism that his package will benefit the 12 times league Champions who have had a cash crunch over the past one year and accrued debt in other sectors as well. 

“This a new dawn and this sponsorship simply means we will stabilise. It also means we will be able to restore hope to our playing squad and at least attract top talent as well. 

“This coming at a difficult time for most companies means there is hope in Kenyan football and we can only urge more partners to come on board. 

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