This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
On June 19, 2020, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, two of Kenya's premier football clubs, announced a joint three-year sponsorship deal with Betsafe, a Malta-based betting firm operating under Bet High Kenya Limited.
The deal, worth an estimated Sh285 million, will see Gor Mahia receive Sh55 million per year, while AFC Leopards will get Sh40 million annually.
This sponsorship comes as a relief to the two archrivals, who have been struggling financially since SportPesa withdrew their sponsorship in August 2019 due to a tax dispute with the government.
Both clubs have been in dire financial straits, with a combined debt of over Sh35 million in unpaid player salaries and bonuses. Gor Mahia players have not received their salaries for the last five months, while AFC Leopards players have not been paid for the last four months.
With the arrival of Betsafe, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier expressed confidence that the sponsorship will help cushion the club. 'We are very happy to announce this deal with Betsafe. A very welcome message to all our fans that we have secured long term financial support from a strong and safe partner,' Rachier said.
AFC Leopards counterpart Dan Shikanda was equally excited about the new partnership, stating, 'There is so much negativity around our football, but it's high time we try and turn that around. This is just but the beginning and we must continue working hard to take our football to the next level.'
The clubs plan to use part of the sponsorship to clear the players' salaries. Gor Mahia treasurer Sally Bolo said, 'Our first priority is to make our players happy. But it is the duty of the technical bench to advise us on how to handle the cases of those players whose contracts are running out as we come up with a payment plan to settle their salary arrears.'
