Cash-strapped Gor Mahia in passionate appeal for funds

PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia FC fans pose for photographs on their way to watch their match against Thika United during their Top 8 knockout match played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on April 20, 2014.

What you need to know:

  • Rachier said that with the expiry of the clubs’ four-year deal with shirt sponsors Tuzo, K’Ogalo has nobody else to turn to but its supporters.
  • Among the pressing demands are players’ salaries, travel allowances, winning bonuses, drinking water for use during training, office space, medicine and health equipment. The club needs Sh4.5 million a month to run.

“We are crippled”. Those were the words of Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier as the club on Thursday made a desperate effort to raise funds to stay afloat.

Rachier said that with the expiry of the clubs’ four-year deal with shirt sponsors Tuzo, K’Ogalo has nobody else to turn to but its supporters.

The club on Thursday appealed to fans to contribute money through MPesa paybill number 350100 to offset the club’s immediate financial needs. A nationwide funds drive for the same purpose will be launched later on.

Gor Secretariat said the crisis at the club has been made worse by the recent Tax demands made against them by the Kenya Revenue Authority, saying the club is currently on its knees since KRA has frozen its finances pending an agreement of compliance to remit Sh118.8 million in unremitted income tax has been reached.

“We are currently relying on donations from well-wishers and supporter because all other avenues have been blocked. Some of the bills on our plate however cannot be put off any longer, and that is why we are launching this passionate appeal to our fans to come and help us offset the bills,” he said.

Among the pressing demands are players’ salaries, travel allowances, winning bonuses, drinking water for use during training, office space, medicine and health equipment. The club needs Sh4.5 million a month to run.