Raila Hands Victorious Title Winners K'Ogalo KSh5m Prize
30th September 2018
Former Prime Minister insists the money will exclusively go to the players who sealed a 17th league success for SPL champions Gor Mahia FC
- It was a big payday for Kenya’s glamour club that stands to receive KSh4.5m for retaining their title from competition organisers, the Kenyan Premier League
- K’Ogalo will leave the country for England on November 2 for their landmark showdown against English Premier League side at Goodison Park four days later having successfully defended their SportPesa Cup crown in June
- Captain Shakava noted the recent success had fired them to defend the crown next season but cautioned against the off-field troubles that have stifled the side this season
KISUMU, Kenya- Former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga presented SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions Gor Mahia FC with a KSh5m present to celebrate their resounding 17th domestic crown following their coronation ceremony on Sunday at the Moi Stadium, Kisumu.
It was a big payday for Kenya’s glamour club that stands to receive KSh4.5m for retaining their title from competition organisers, the Kenyan Premier League.
Speaking after handing Gor skipper, Harun Shakava, the trophy, Raila hailed the team for clinching a fourth title in the last five seasons that saw K’Ogalo secure the trophy with six games to spare on August 25.
“I’m happy with the effort you put to defend the title. The money I’m giving you today, you can use it on whatever you want,” Raila told the ecstatic players before boarding his helicopter and flying out of the stadium following the vivacious afternoon where Mathare United FC held Gor to a 2-2 draw.
Club chairperson, Ambrose Rachier, pledged the windfall from the Club Patron would go directly to the players.
“No officials will touch this money and we thank the Prime Minister for this gesture. The celebration was well organized, the fans were well behaved and our opponents played well.
“There were early fears that the event could have backfired but it lived up to expectations. Our focus is our next game against Zoo Kericho FC on Wednesday before we meet Tusker FC on October 7 and then extend full focus on our game against Everton FC,” the club chief added.
Recent success
K’Ogalo will leave the country for England on November 2 for their landmark showdown against English Premier League side at Goodison Park four days later having successfully defended their SportPesa Cup crown in June.
Captain Shakava noted the recent success had fired them to defend the crown next season but cautioned against the off-field troubles that have stifled the side this season, including the recent unsavory incident where players boycotted training for 25 days in protest against delayed salaries and bonuses.
“We need to maintain the same focus in 2019 and I call on the office to rectify some of the mistakes that happened this season so that we start on a clean slate,” the defender stressed.
Top scorer, Jacques Tuyisenge who extended his tally in the SPL to 14 goals maintained his campaign was not over as he guns for the Golden Boot.
“The season was tough for us with congested fixtures but I’m happy we won the SPL trophy despite losing in other competitions such as the CAF Confederations Cup and SportPesa Shield.
“Our next aim is now on Goodison where I’m intend to expose my talent. I’m urging my teammates to utilize the experience since it might land them a good deal in Europe,” the Rwanda international and club vice-captain who gave his team a half-time lead offered.
Tuyisenge who is trailing former Nzoia United FC striker, Elvis Rupia Banda by a single-goal in the race for the league top scorer’s crown, assured K’Ogalo fans he did not intend to leave the club.