Political Intrigues

Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are now an election issue as the national Jubilee party has promised to fund both clubs. But one is left wondering why they have done nothing for sports in the past five years. This is likely a reaction to Sportpesa’s threat to withdraw funding from all sports in January 2018.

Courtesy of the Nation

President Uhuru Kenyatta has promised to bankroll Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards if re-elected to serve for a second term.

This promise is entailed in the ruling Jubilee Party’s manifesto which was unveiled on Monday.

It states, “(In the next five years) we will encourage and support national football clubs, invest in setting up youth teams and provide the sporting facilities required to nurture and develop young talent.”

Leopards secretary general Oscar Igaida has meanwhile welcomed this news.

“This is the best news for community football clubs. If implemented, I am certain AFC Leopards can transform into a continental giant in less than two years. We have the talents, the resources to nurture them has always been a challenge,” he said.

Despite boasting a wide fan-base and national appeal, AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have over the past decade or so struggled financially to make ends meet. In between, these two giant sides have relied on handouts and fundraisers to stay afloat.

The Jubilee Party manifesto doesn’t, however, indicate if these financial aid will be extended to other top teams in the hockey, rugby and cricket leagues.