Government lauded for awarding football teams

By Peter Ochieng

The government has been lauded for awarding various football teams in the country.

In an event presided over by Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba on Friday night, the government awarded Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz, Vihiga Queens, Shabana FC and Murang’a Seal for reaching various heights during the 2022/2023 season.

Gor Mahia received Sh10 million, AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz and Vihiga Queens Sh5 million each, Shaban FC Sh3 million while Murang’a Seal pocked Sh2 million.

Gor won the FKF PL title, AFC Leopards finished 3rd in the Mozzart Cup, Homeboyz won the Mozzart Cup title, Vihiga Queens won the Women Premier League title, Shabana FC won the National Super League title, finishing ahead of second placed Murang’a Seal.

Shabana FC and Murang’a Seal both sealed their place in the FKF Premier League next season.

Responding over the government gesture, Sam Nyamweya, former Kenya Football Federation president said it is encouraging.

“I thank the government and particularly the cabinet minister for Sports Hon Ababu Namwamba for honoring our community football clubs. It was an unprecedented act by the government, one that has never been done before and I pray this trend will be maintained,” said Naymweya.

He said the cash rewards are a great relief to teams such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. The two clubs are battling FIFA and CAF fines for failing to pay former coaches and players.

“The cash incentives the clubs especially Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboys and Shabana received will go a long way in helping the clubs in their immediate needs like signing new players, paying their outstanding salaries and allowance and in the case of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, clearing the debts they owe their former players who have sued them at FIFA.”

Besides the aforementioned teams, all teams in top league and National Super League were rewarded Sh500,000 each.