This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
On June 18, 2020, Kenya's football scene received a much-needed boost as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, the country's two biggest football clubs, landed a combined Sh95mn sponsorship from Betsafe, a new betting firm, for a period of three years.
The sponsorship deal comes at a time when both clubs were struggling financially, with Gor Mahia not paying their players' salaries for the last five months and AFC Leopards facing similar difficulties.
According to the deal, Gor Mahia will receive Sh55mn per year, while AFC Leopards will get Sh40mn annually. The sponsorship will also cover the cost of kitting, with both clubs having secured Umbro as their official kit sponsors last year.
AFC Leopards chair Dan Shikanda expressed his gratitude towards Betsafe, stating, 'This is a huge and welcome boost for the club because we have had so much difficulties over the last few months. It is going to stabilize the club moving forward and we are really happy to get this deal.'
Shikanda added that the sponsorship will enable the club to strengthen their team and be competitive next season, quenching their two-decade thirst for the title.
Tom Bwana, PR & Partner Manager at Bet High (K) Ltd, the parent company of Betsafe, said, 'We will be launching in the Kenyan market very soon and our top priority is to support Kenyan football. Being a responsible gaming provider since the very beginning we aim to bring more engagement and excitement together with Leopards SC in the near future.'
