Raila Odinga gives Gor Mahia surprise visit ahead of Everton tie in Liverpool

[Courtesy]

When looking for inspiration, be it in politics or sports, you can always find it in the words and speeches of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

And his words of wisdom came in handy after making a surprise visit to Gor Mahia’s hotel on the eve of tonight's historic SportPesa Trophy match against English Premier League side Everton at the Goodison Park, in Liverpool.

Though excited about the prospects of brushing shoulders with some of the best players in the Premier League, K’Ogalo’s camp appeared to have been greeted with an apocalyptic mood after their talisman Jacques Tuyisenge failed to make the United Kingdom’s trip due to a visa hitch.

But accompanied by his daughter Rosemary Odinga and son Raila Odinga Junior, the current African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development and K’ogalo’s patron, rejuvenated the team with a passionate speech, motivating them to take on the Toffees head on.

Also present were Sports Principle Secretary Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia and SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri, who gave the team a motivation token of Sh 2.1M.

“I’m here as Gor Mahia’s patron to witness them make history as the first ever African team to play on an English soil. I had to cancel all my other engagements to come and cheer the team. We thank SportPesa for making this possible. The team has come here not as a result of charity but winning the ticket. You made us proud and we have come to give you the moral support,” said Odinga.

“We are hoping that in future we can develop our soccer to the standards that you have seen in this country. Play well here because there are people who could be watching the match and some of you might end up being picked up by one of the clubs here".

Raila Odinga with some of the Gor Mahia officials. [Courtesy]

Odinga further urged the players not to be cowed or intimidated by Marcos Silva’s men as he reminisced about his knowledge of the European football that have seen him support Manchester United, Liverpool, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Dortmund, Roma, AC Milan before finally settling on Arsenal.

“You have an opportunity to showcase your talent. But it’s not a must we win at all cost; what I want is to see you play at your best. Show the world that soccer exists in Kenya, that’s what will please me and not how many goals your score or concede.There is a lot of goodwill back home. Gor Mahia is not playing for their own fans, but for the Kenyan people and Africa too.

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“When you play, just know it is not a matter of life and death. The most important thing is to showcase yourselves. It‘s not a game between David and Goliath, it’s David and David. I want you to have confidence in yourself. Sometimes, people go onto the pitch with a lot of fear, as if you are going to meet a lion. Just go there, have confidence and play your game. It’s a game of eleven men against eleven, so don’t fear. Just play your game, the way you know it.”

SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said: “We are a hundred percent behind you (Gor Mahia). You have literally won everything on offer at home, this is a new challenge for you."