Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have benefited immensely from President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s attendance of the Mashemeji Derby clash on Sunday after it merged that the two clubs will receive Sh24 million.
Raila announced on Sunday evening while addressing thousands of ecstatic K’Ogalo and Ingwe fans outside the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani that President Kenyatta gave out Sh12 million to each of the two clubs to cater for their expenses in the remaining five matches.
President Kenyatta and Raila had led other leaders in watching the Mashemeji Derby between the two archrivals that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Raila also said there are plans to hire well-qualified coaches who will be tasked with raising local football standards to international levels.
“We have agreed to bring professional coaches who can help nurture our talents here in Kenya so that we can produce good players like Victor Wanyama who played for Tottenham Hotspurs,” said Odinga.
“Today we have spoken to the President and he has donated to Gor and AFC Leopards each Sh2 million for the players. To the clubs, he has donated Sh10 million to each club to help them finish the league. However, in future, our clubs have to engage in income-generating activities.”
After the game, President Kenyatta engaged Shikanda and Rachier in a chat on the issues affecting the club for a while in the VIP section of the dias and even took photos with them.
FKF Premier League clubs have been struggling financially since the withdrawal of Betking as sponsors of the league last year in August.