Gor Youth defy odds to lift Nairobi regional trophy
Gor Mahia Youth squad during a past match. For the second year running, they have defied the odds to post impressive results in the Nairobi Regional League. FILE PHOTO | JOHN KIMWERE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The Gor Junior side, just like the senior team, lack shirt sponsors and have been operating through the goodwill of the Gor Mahia Fans Foundation (GMFF) – an umbrella body bringing together a few fans who share in the dream of nurturing talent.
- Founded in 2012, the foundation has also been engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and have in the past been actively involved in visiting children suffering from cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
For the second year running, Gor Mahia Youth have defied the odds to post impressive results in the Nairobi Regional League.
Their resilience saw them claim a podium finish and a berth in the National Division One League beginning next term.
The Gor Junior side, just like the senior team, lack shirt sponsors and have been operating through the goodwill of the Gor Mahia Fans Foundation (GMFF) – an umbrella body bringing together a few fans who share in the dream of nurturing talent.
Through the foundation, the fans donate money to cater for the players’ training allowances and match bonuses as well as kits for the team.
Support from the team’s Kamukunji Jua Kali Branch, Away Branch and Nakuru Branch have also come in handy.
Founded in 2012, the foundation has also been engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and have in the past been actively involved in visiting children suffering from cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Through their efforts, aspiring footballers have been actively involved in the game with the hope of making it to the top levels in future.
Last season, the team attained ‘Invincibility’ after going through an entire season unbeaten in the Nairobi County League.
The impressive performance earned them promotion to the Nairobi Regional League where they proved their mettle dominating their opponents to earn a slot to the National Division One League effective next term.
And speaking to Daily Nation Sport, GMFF chairman Manaseh Otieno said that the formation of the group was to help the club move forward.
“We looked at what the club ought to do and realised that if we had the numbers, we could help fill a few gaps,” he said.
“We work as a team and moving forward, our aim is to seek partnership with development agencies to make the initiative stronger,” he added. “We are trying to inculcate a culture where talent can be nurtured and also to get our youths busy; to lead lives free of crime and embrace discipline.”
Apart from Otieno, other officials of the group are Eugene Apindi (treasurer), Angella Okallo (secretary general) Jairus Otieno (organising secretary) and former club secretary general, Chris Omondi, who is a co-opted member.
Omondi, has been at the forefront in supporting the team and has adopted Clifford Nyakeya, who was one of the star performers on Sunday, scoring the fourth goal as they crushed Naivas FC 5-1 in the play- offs to lift the title.
In the meantime, Otieno said that the foundation still owes the boys training arrears of Sh550, 000 translating to Sh18,500 per player.
Members of the technical bench: Maurice Onyango (head coach), Zablon ‘Pro’ Otieno (assistant coach) and team manager Wills Odembe have been working pro-bono.
