Last week, the Government announced a stimulus package for football clubs hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Two of Kenya's most followed clubs, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, are included in the list of 12 clubs whose players will receive a Sh10,000 payment from this package.
While I thank the Government for coming to the aid of the players who have been suffering for quite some time since all social activities were suspended due to the pandemic, I think it should be a wake-up call, especially to our club which prides itself in being the most successful in this part of the region in terms of titles won nationally, regionally and of course in the continent.
I have constantly stated on this forum that Gor Mahia needs to find a way of making itself financially stable.
It is a shame that we find ourselves begging for government support at this time with clubs which have never played beyond their villages.
I understand the challenges facing Kenyan football and the lack of corporate support but that is no excuse for not having a stable financial base for a club like Gor Mahia.
At 50 plus years, it is sad that we are still walking around with bowls begging for finances to sustain the club.
I have so much respect for our club management but I think if there is one area we have failed, it is on making that club financially stable.
Just last week, one of our players, Juma Balinya, announced his intentions to leave the club due to unpaid salaries. Now this is shameful.
There are so many opportunities out there for our club to tap in and create revenue even at this trying time, yet we have failed.
Coronavirus aside, time has come for us to audit ourselves as a club and ask ourselves of we need to continue existing as beggars or focus on how we can stabilise ourselves.
We continue to brag that we are one of the most followed club in this country and the region, but where are the number when the club needs you.
Following the club is not only going to the stadium to watch matches, it goes beyond that.
Gor Mahia has the potential of becoming on of the most financially stable associations if we put the right structures but we seem not to get it right.
Last week I did a simple arithmetic. If we have a following of 50,000 and we bank a Sh 100 every month to the club, we will have Sh 5 million a month.
That is enough to sort our players salaries. Here, I am being very economical with the numbers.
I ask myself whether it is because of our leadership or our mindset as the club's following that is letting us down.
I once again ask our club leadership to think about my idea.
One of our former players, Jacques Tuyisenge, who is now playing in Angola was recently quoted as saying their club is paying their salaries on time despite football activities being suspended there. This should be the case at our club.
Gor Mahia should not be lumped together with clubs seeking financial support from Government with the kind of support we claim to have.
To all Gor Mahia followers out there, let's come together and find a way of stabilising our club financially. Otherwise, enjoy your Madaraka Day and keep safe.
