‘Nation’ in Gor, AFC jackets deal
PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO Leopards captain Martin Imbalambala (right) shakes hands with Gor midfielder Rama Salim during the launch of the promotion at Nation Centre on August 24, 2012. They are with Nation Newspapers Division managing director Tom Mshindi (second right) and Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier.
What you need to know:
- In this joint venture, fans will have an opportunity to purchase merchandise at subsidized rates
- Under the arrangement, 12 per cent of the sales from the first 7,500 jackets will go directly to the clubs
- The idea is aimed at giving fans an opportunity to support their clubs by purchasing the limited edition jackets
Fans of Kenyan football giants AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have something to smile about: They can now support their clubs financially by participating in a new promotion that was launched in Nairobi on Friday.
In the promotion dubbed “Toklezea na Jalee”, the Nation Media Group entered into an agreement with Gor and Leopards where both clubs will profit from the sale of football jackets.
To participate, Gor and Leopards fans will be required to collect seven discount coupons found in the sports pages of the Daily Nation and present them at any NMG offices countrywide with Sh3,500 to secure a quality sports jacket.
Under the arrangement, 12 per cent of the sales from the first 7,500 jackets will go directly to the clubs. Fans can also book their favourite team jackets — green for Gor and blue for Leopards — in advance by sending a short text message to 5428. The promotion starts on Thursday next week.
During the launch at Nation Centre, Nation Newspapers Division managing director Tom Mshindi said the idea is aimed at giving fans an opportunity to support their clubs by purchasing the limited edition jackets.
Present at the launch were Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, AFC Leopards assistant treasurer, Suleiman Maleya and NMG marketing director, Ann Gitao-Kinyua as well as officials and players from the two clubs.
Depend on gate collection
Mshindi noted that although football was the most popular sport in the country, lack of resources has proved a major handicap.
“Resource capacity has been a major challenge for sports management in the country and this has not made it easy to secure facilities. This is the reason for this true call,” Mshindi said.
“This venture will present an opportunity to grant some resources to the teams.” Mshindi said he was hopeful Leopards and Gor fans will embrace the promotion and popularise their teams through material support. Rachier and Maleya said it was a good idea.
“These two clubs have struggled for funds and have depended on sponsors and gate collection but there have been a sigh of relief with the coming of corporate sponsors,” said Rachier.
Maleya said: “We are happy NMG has also joined in a big way and this is encouraging since it will help cultivate peace and harmony in local football.”
