Rachier: I have delivered trophies and sponsorships
Below is an interview of Chairman Ambrose Rachier. The Interview was conducted by the Daily Nation. In the interview, Rachier explains why he should be re-elected.
Question: Some club stakeholders are of the view that you have had your turn and you should not run. What are you planning to do differently this time round?
Answer: I intend to embark on the last of my agenda which stakeholders will recall were; winning the league, returning fans to the stadia, acquiring a club bus, establishing a Sacco for players and members, establishing a functional secretariat, procuring sponsorship, building a stadium and a club house.
Q. What would you consider your greatest achievements?
A: Winning the Kenyan league title three consecutive times and the procurement of a five year SportPesa sponsorship.
Q:. What are some of your unmet goals?
A:Putting up of a stadium and club house and establishing a health insurance scheme.
Q: With the sponsorships we have, why are there still claims of financial problems?
A: Because of the huge accumulated debt over the years.
Q: Calls for structured membership seem to be largely ignored. What are your plans?
A: Structured membership efforts have been stultified first by lack of understanding of this concept. Secondly, a culture of unwillingness to pay for membership. Certain members campaigned against the payment of Sh500. Very few fans were willing to pay their suggested Sh100.
Q: Most established clubs are going the seasonal ticket way. Are we headed there?
A: Yes we are. We will educate our members on the merits.
Q: The never ending debate about sale of club merchandise…
A: It has been bedevilled by the lack of enforcement of the Kenyan Intellectual Property law that of patents and trademarks. Piracy kills profits.
Q: How will you address hooliganism?
A: Fighting the vice is the responsibility of the State. Hooligans should be arrested and prosecuted, clubs lack the capacity.
Q: What about health insurance for players?
A: We are committed to providing a scheme for the players.
Q: It’s my opinion that the club is top-heavy, any plans of cutting down on redundant posts ?
A: I can’t agree more with you, but our efforts have been vehemently resisted.
Q: Where do you see Gor Mahia in the next 10 years?
A: Like Barcelona. I returned recently from Spain to learn how Real Madrid and Barcelona operate in the La Liga.
Red herring…..
AS for Mr. Rachier’s assertion, yes he has delivered trophies and that will never change. Incidentally this has set up a very shoe for any new office that will come in at whatever time.
And at the same time you have forced the club to give it away this season, why did you not adresse the problem of Gatuso as soon as possible? His returning made us win many games