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The Nairobian

Ambrose Rachier: It has been tough for champions K'Ogalo

Football

By Washington Onyango | Aug 27, 2020

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier during a past event. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier believes lack of sponsorship forced out most foreign players back to their countries.

Rachier said most players were unable to pay rent which forced them to relocate to the countryside while foreign players requested to leave.

“One of the greatest challenges we encountered is eviction of our players by their respective landlords during the time we had no sponsor after the exit of SportPesa,” Rachier said.

“Our hands were tied but I am grateful for the players who chose to stay and fight. It has been tough but a new dawn is coming.”

And after re-election earlier this month, the long serving K’Ogalo chairman has renewed his promise to build a stadium for the club in the land they own at Kasarani.

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Rachier said they are also planning to build new apartment for housing players to prevent future exodus of players due to rent arrears.

Gor Mahia FC's Chairman Ambrose Rachier (left) with other Club fans lead in singing club slogan during Kpl match against Tusker FC at Kenyattai Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

He plans to build the stadium on the land donated by the late President Moi after winning the Mandela Cup.

“I want to build Gor Mahia a modern stadium at Kasarani.

"I read that in Tanzania the clubs provide housing to their players which is a very good initiative that if we can be able to execute will help make our players worry less,” he said.

Considering football has evolved due to multiple sponsorships which didn't exist in past, K’Ogalo supporters are of the opinion that Gor should have made a big step in building its brand.

Currently, the club is in dire financial straits and it is losing key players to local rivals and in the region.

However, Gor landed a Sh285 million Betsafe joint sponsorship with AFC Leopards ahead of the new season.