Former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga said they are keen to proffessionalise football in the country as one way of creating employment for youth.
Raila was speaking on Monday night when he paid a surprise visit to Gor Mahia players at their Hilton Hotel hours before their match against English Premier league side Everton at the Goodison Park yesterday. Raila, who is also a Gor Mahia patron, said it was a massive milestone for the local champions to be the first African side to play at the Goodison and with no doubt they should embrace the chance.
He said: “Football is helping youth to avoid so many bad things and our wish is to make it a proffession. I had other engagements, but cancelled them just be here to cheer and support you. It is not a matter of life and death but you will be facing men like you and therefore go out there and showcase what you have and prove to them there is good football in Kenya,”\
He added: “As much as I am here as the team’s patron, I also stand here in the capacity as the African Union representative for infrastructure development in Africa. I must say not only Kenya is happy that you will play on the European soil but also Africa at large. I hope the development opens doors for players to be attached to European clubs because it’s your hard work that made you book this chance and it is a not a mere charity.”
Also in attendance were Sports Principle Secretary Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia, SportPesa chief executive officer Ronald Karauri, Raila’s daughter Rosemary and son Raila Junior alongside Gor chairman Ambrose Rachier. Senate minority leader James Orengo was expected in the host nation yesterday. PS Kaberia said the government was out to share in Gor’s vision and support the outfit which has defied all odds to be the only African team to ever play on the European soil.