Forming Sacco big step in the right direction

I am in support of former Ingwe footballers who met at the weekend and elected officials to run the newly formed Savings and Credit Co-operative (Sacco).

All Ingwe legends, fans and other stakeholders should join the AFC Leopards Supporters Sacco because it will come in handy when they will need to get a line of credit.

They should not wait for Tuesday, but join immediately and start saving as much as they can to stay financially stable.

There is no doubt the shares in the Sacco will change lives of many ex-players currently doing badly since they will access dividends and loans.

As I urge all our former players to take up the opportunity to join the Sacco, I want to remind them that AFC Leopards Supporter Sacco has good investment plans that will see them venture into business.

The sacco will also see future players lead a decent life during active playing career and even after, to avoid miserable life some Kenyan footballers are leading today.

Saccos are important because they have sure investment and a more guaranteed return, with limited liability.

Their loans can be processed within a day, depending on the borrowers urgency.

Several legends met last year and mooted the idea to better livelihoods of the retired stars who brought glory to this big club.

Former club secretary, Maurice Osundwa, who is the chairman of the Leopards Sacco, said members will have a number of advantages like access to loans for business, emergency, school fees and personal expenses.

Politicians and businessmen who attended the function including former club secretary, George Aladwa have already accepted to fund raise for the Sacco.

According to Osundwa, the Sacco will work closely with the club leadership, fans and other stake holders to initiate several investment projects. Osundwa said one of the Social Responsibility policy of the Sacco is to support the club financially on a need to basis and nature talent through technical skills from the former stars - who have been ignored despite playing a pivotal role for the club in the past.

Among the legends who were present were legendary Joe Kadenge, aged 83, who advised the Ingwe community to deviate from the culture of politicking every now and then and help each other.

Kadenge appealed to former club coaches to consider joining the Sacco to avoid being detained in hospital over medical bills.

According to Osundwa,  they will secure medical covers for legends so that supporter don’t keep fund raising.

In case of death, the insurance will take care of transport, the coffin and Sh20,000 facilitation for the family.

Every member will be covered together with five family members.

According to former Leopards player Peter Lichungu, the minimum monthly contribution is Sh500; while the fee and minimum share is Sh2,200 which can be paid through Safaricom pay bill number 206777, while the account number is one’s national ID number.

After representing Leopards and even the national team players should not just sit back and wait for projects to automatically come their ways.

There seems to be a problem among some local stars, who after they are recognised, think they are now “celebs” and become big headed, only to end up languishing in poverty.

Kudos to the over 150 who have already registered including Josephat Murila, JJ Masiga, Aggrey Lukoye, Patrick Shilasi, Peter Lichungu, Peter Ouma, Mike Amwayi, Justus Muhati, Joe Kadenge, Tonny Lidonde and Reginald Asibwa.