This archive report was first published on 4 October 2021.
The new Kenyan Premier League season kicked off last weekend, with Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, two of the country's top football clubs, looking to make a strong start.
However, the clubs' financial struggles continue to be a major concern. In a recent fund-raising event, AFC Leopards managed to raise Sh8 million, which will help them pay off debts to former players and coaches.
But, as former colleague James Wachai pointed out, this is not a sustainable solution. 'When will these so-called big clubs of Kenyan football be financially stable and stop depending on handouts from politicians?' he asked.
Gor Mahia's chairman, Ambrose Rachier, had considered a similar fund-raising event but received a cold reception from fans. This highlights the need for the clubs to find alternative ways to generate revenue.
With a combined following of over 10 million fans, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have a huge potential market. However, they have failed to tap into this revenue stream effectively.
As I argued in a previous article, the clubs need to stop begging and build their brands. This can be done by creating mobile phone applications that allow fans to donate directly to the clubs.
However, this requires a more modern and innovative approach to leadership, which is currently lacking in both clubs.
Published on October 4, 2021.
