This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya's football scene is not immune to its effects. The coronavirus, which originated in China, has brought our lives to a standstill, and the football community is no exception.
Since mid-March, when the government announced the closure of all social activities to curb the spread of the deadly virus, football activities have come to a halt. This has had a devastating impact on players who rely on the game for their livelihood.
Community-based clubs like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have been particularly hard hit, with no sponsorship since the exit of SportPesa last year. The future looks dire, with some predicting that Gor Mahia may not have a team to present for next season's competitions.
According to sources, the players have not been paid for their salaries for four months, with winning bonuses and training allowances long forgotten. The total amount owed to the players is estimated to be in the millions, considering the club's monthly wage bill of approximately Sh5 million.
While it's difficult to place blame on anyone for the current financial situation, it's essential to start thinking of solutions. The government has released funds to cushion sportspersons during this pandemic, but it's unclear if football was included in the beneficiaries.
World football governing body Fifa is also planning to provide financial assistance to footballers from its member countries, but this will likely be a drop in the ocean. It's time for Gor Mahia followers to step up and help the team out of this sorry state.
With over one million followers, a monthly contribution of Sh100 from half of these fans would raise Sh50 million, almost the amount SportPesa would give the club as sponsorship in a year. Let's share ideas on how we can help make the club financially stable. The club needs us now more than ever.
Share your ideas via the email at the end of this article, and I will share them on this column as days go by. Good day and Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters.
