Machakos lift four-year-old ban on Gor Mahia
Gor Mahia fans ran for cover during the team's chaotic Kenya Premier League match against Sofapaka FC at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on October 26, 2014. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Monday lifted a ban he had imposed on Gor Mahia from playing in the county.
- The county government banned the top side from playing in Machakos in 2014 after their fans went on the rampage damaging property worth millions of shillings following a Premier League match loss to Sofapaka.
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua on Monday lifted a ban he had imposed on Gor Mahia from playing in the county.
The county government banned the top side from playing in Machakos in 2014 after their fans went on the rampage damaging property worth millions of shillings following a Premier League match loss to Sofapaka.
“Following negotiations brokered by my sports minister Faith Kithu, we have decided to lift the ban for the love of the sport and promotion of sports tourism,” Mutua said.
He was speaking outside his office after meeting the Gor officials led by their chairman Ambrose Rachier, chief executive Lordvic Aduda, treasurer Sally Bolo. Also in attendance was AFC Leopards chairman Dan Mule.
However Gor Mahia will pay Sh1 million to the Machakos County as a goodwill gesture following the lifting of the ban.
“We know the amount is not enough for the damages caused by our fans, but it’s a goodwill gesture to show our appreciation for being welcomed back,” said Rachier.
He noted that hooliganism was the greatest disease of football but it has waned since 2014.
Gor have also been granted the use of Machakos stadium as their home ground and will host Leones Vegetarianos from Equatorial Guinea in a their Caf Champions League preliminary round home fixture.
In a related development, Mutua said the county government will construct 8 stadiums, one for each sub county in the next two years.
Meanwhile, ex-Kenyan champions Sofapaka are closing in on Zanzibar midfielder Abdul Aziz Makame.
Sofapaka Executive Officer Emmanuel Kayoyi on Monday revealed that negotiations between his club and Jang’òmbe FC were at an advanced stage and a deal could be concluded very soon.
