– Kenya Power recently terminated its partnership with a number of clubs including Western Stima
– Stima is now set to rebrand, with the club’s chairman ready to let players go
– The club’s new name will revolve around the town of Kisumu
Kenyan Premier League side, Western Stima is set to change its name following the departure of its sponsor, Kenya Power.
Western Stima’s partnership with Kenya Power that lasted for over a decade has come to an end after the electricity company decided to end sports sponsorship citing tough economic times, Nairobi Stima and Coast Stma have also been affected.
Stima chairman Laban Jobita now says he is sourcing for a new sponsor and that they will have to change its name to one that the community in Kisumu can relate with.
“I think we will now have to change our name because our partnership with them has ended. We are looking at a name that the people of Kisumu can relate with. For now however the main focus is getting a new sponsor, we are knocking at doors to see if we can secure new partners so that we can continue giving talented youth in Kisumu a chance to be spotted by top clubs in the world,” he said.
On the fate of his squad, Jobita said he will not hold onto the players but will let those that want to depart leave for greener pastures. Already a number of Stima players are being trailed by rival clubs. Fidel Origa, Kelly Wesonga, Maurice Ojwang, Benson Omalla, Abdalla Wankuru are some of the players that could ditch Stima for greener pastures.
“Those who want to leave will go, those who want to stay can stick around and continue playing for Stima. We will not force any player to remain here against his wish,” he added.
Stima has produced top players in the country like Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna and his assistant Joash Onyango.
Story by Yunasi Kimutai, TUKO.co.ke correspondent
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