Columnist Tom Osanjo has called for Gor Mahia to abandon its reliance on financial handouts and overhaul its management structure to compete with continental football giants.
The author argues that Gor Mahia cannot sustain its 21st-century ambitions with 18th-century management practices. Despite being the most successful Kenyan club, he questions the club's financial viability, noting its dependence on begging for basic operational needs like international match funding, club buses, and coaching facilities.
Osanjo revisits a 1990s proposal by Leslie Okudo to transform Gor Mahia into a publicly traded company, a plan that faced fierce opposition from fans who feared it would lead to external control. Critics at the time dismissed the idea as unrealistic, with some labeling the columnist a radical.
Despite resistance, Osanjo highlights growing support from sports figures. Alvance Onguru of Mwamba Rugby Club proposes collaborating with Gor Mahia and Ngara Cricket to reclaim land parcels gifted by former President Daniel arap Moi. Tobias "Jua Kali" Ochola, a former club legend, endorses the restructuring plan, while Kenyan rugby player Kenny Muli pledges to invest in potential share offerings.
The columnist emphasizes that these supporters, with experience in high-level sports, deserve serious consideration as Gor Mahia seeks to modernize its operations.
