Gor Mahia legends receive lifeline as Owalo donates Sh1 Million

ICT CS Eliud Owalo gives Gor Mahia Legends a Sh1million cheque.[Stafford Ondego,Standard]

Gor Mahia FC, the pride of Kenyan football, has seen better days.

The club's legends, who had once graced the pitch with their extraordinary skills and brought glory to the nation, were now struggling in their twilight years.

Poverty and a lack of income had cast a long shadow over their lives, and the heroes of yesteryears were forced to live in relative obscurity.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo on Saturday boosted Gor Mahia legend’s fortunes after helping them set up Gor Mahia Legends welfare sustainability fund.

The Gor Mahia Legends had once inspired generations with their dazzling performances on the field.

These heroes had lifted trophies, thrilled fans, and brought fame to their beloved club. But as time passed, their fortunes waned.

Many of them faced medical bills they couldn't afford, and some were even unable to put food on the table.

CS Owalo host Gor Mahia Legends led by Austin Oduor and his peers for Lunch at the Ole-Sereni Hotel.

ICT CS Eliud Owalo shares a light moment with Gor Mahia legends.[Stafford Ondego,Standard]

He initiated the Gor Mahia Legends Welfare Sustainability Fund and donated Seed Capital of Sh 1 Million towards the fund.

The Gor Mahia Legends Welfare Sustainability Fund wasn't just about money; it was about giving the legends a sense of belonging, a reminder that they were cherished and respected.

“We need to find a way to collaborate. We can’t sit back as Gor Mahia fans see former players suffer we must see you live a decent life.

“Gor Mahia players in retirement should live a good life. We also need to think about how to come up with a constant means of earning. We need to come up with Gor Mahia Hall of Fame.

“We also came up with a club website that will support you with a sustainability fund,” said Owalo.

Former Gor Mahia player Sammy Omollo (right) during their meeting with ICT CS Owalo.[Stafford Ondego,Standard]

The meeting had Austin ‘Makamu’ Oduor, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla, Nahashon Oluoch ‘Lule’, David Ochieng ‘Kamoga’, Tobias Ocholla ‘Jua Kali’, Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omolo, Micke Otieno, Nick Okoth Akura, Maurice ‘Ole Tunda’ Ouma, Josiah ‘Biggy’ Ougo, Swaleh Ochieng ‘Oswayo’, Victor Onyango, Julius ‘Awilo’ Owino, Tobias Mahira, Mike Kisagi, Peter Gor and Peter Mwololo in attendance.

According to players they have been trying to start a welfare but it always fails but hope with the current leadership of CS it will succeed.

They promised to be determined to make sure the group keeps together.

Led by Oduor, the welfare group is aimed at helping the legends start a number of income-generating projects for self-sustainability