Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi’s return to support AFC Leopards, which is facing financial straits, must be lauded.
We welcome the former Vice President on board as our patron after sponsors, SportPesa quit the Kenyan market last year citing frustration from the government due to tough tax measures.
Mudavadi donated Sh633,000 from the Musalia Mudavadi Centre to help the club start processing papers for the 20 acres it was allocated by the late President Daniel arap Moi in 1992.
Moi also gave Ingwe and their sworn enemies K’Ogalo Sh3 million each for their sterling performance during a function at State House.
Gor Mahia had clinched the Caf Winners’ Cup in 1987, while AFC Leopards had won the Cecafa trophy for keeps. Since then, Gor have had less problems because they receive support from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the government and other well wishers.
With Mudavadi coming on board at Ingwe, we feel that team will no longer wallow in the misery of financial constraints.
Various leaders among them sitting MPs, incumbent and former AFC Leopards officials have commended Mudavadi for the move.
The way he was received by Ingwe fans at the Mi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in March when he arrived with President Uhuru Kenyatta to watch “Mashemeji” derby between Gor and AfC was a clear indication that the Ingwe faithful wanted him to play a bigger role in the betterment of the club.
Former AFC Leopards chairman Alfred Sambu said when he worked with Musalia previously as a patron during his tenure, he got support from the ANC chief.
I’d urge AFC Leopards supporters who have any issues with the club management to be patient and to take advice from Mudavadi.
When he calls for a reconciliation meeting, they should all turn up and give ideas to rescue the team. This will be a score for him and AFC Leopards fraternity at large.
Formed in 1964, the 13-times league champions have been in and out of the elite group of Kenyan teams.
This has been largely because of mismanagement and lack of proper infrastructure and particularly a stadium for our club.
Mudavadi, a long time fan of the club, hopes that by stepping in to help the club will kick-start plans to build their own stadium.
Chairman Dan Shikanda said they have been talking to several hopefuls who have shown interest in helping the team out of its financial struggles.
We thank our players for showing understanding of the situation and giving their best until the league was halted in mid-March.
Shikanda said his office inherited a club with huge challenges when he was elected in June last year. Football activities have been suspended due to Covid-19.
Ingwe were in sixth place, 14 points off Gor Mahia at the summit with nine games to go.
