Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr warns of ‘tough times ahead’ due to sponsorship withdrawals
Football
By
Japheth Ogila
| Jan 25, 2018
Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr has given a subtle warning to the government that the quality of football in the country could deteriorate even further as a result of withdrawal by major sponsors. Kerr was speaking at a joint press conference with his counterpart Robert Matano, the head coach for their arch-rivals AFC Leopards in Nairobi.
The English tactician however believes that both K’Ogalo and Ingwe have their destiny in their hands to get the sponsorship after sportpesa pulled out. He believes that what the players give on the pitch is even much more crucial to getting next entity that will bankroll them.
“It is down to the two teams to go and put a spectacle…we have to get our teams for the viewers and paying public,” said Kerr. He was referring to their need to stage impressive performance in the forthcoming CAF championship as a way of attracting sponsorship.
Kerr decried the withdrawal of sponsorship especially on big clubs such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, which he says have lots of expenses and wage bill. But on the flipside, he added that the country needs investment in the game right from the grass root level.
While speaking at the same press briefing, AFC Leopards boss Robert Matano failed to comment on sponsorship but exuded confidence that his side is poised for a better season in the coming campaign.
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“We will win the Super Cup,” said Matano as he added that his team is in good shape and he is just waiting for the new signings to gel with old players.
After being selected the captain for Gor Mahia, defender Harun Shakava also highlighted the club blueprints in the coming campaign. Shakava indicated that their quest is to retain the league title and also to advance to group stage of the CAF Champions League scheduled for next month.
The two teams will lock horns at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru come Sunday for the Super Cup. This is after Gor Mahia won the league title as their opponents lifted the Go TV Shield Cup last year.