Rather than living in abject poverty and neglect in retirement, Kenyan footballers should consider establishing income-generating projects.
These remarks were made by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo during a meeting with representatives of the Gor Mahia Legends Welfare Group on Saturday.
The CS emphasized the importance of honouring ex-players who have made the country proud in the past.
"From where I sit, you gave us great pride and joy during your playing days. We shall reciprocate by making sure that you lead a decent life in your retirement," Owalo said.
Owalo spoke after donating a seed capital of Sh1 million to the Gor Mahia Legends Welfare Sustainability Fund. Owalo gifted the welfare a further Sh500,000 as a token of appreciation.
"This effort seeks to help the group undertake income-generating projects. The Legends were our pride and joy in their heyday. They should not be forgotten, or neglected, in retirement," he added.
The Gor Legends were led by their chairman Austin 'Makamu' Oduor, who skippered the team during their title-winning Africa Cup Winners Cup campaign in 1987.
Others who graced the ceremony included John “Bobby” Ogolla, Nahashon 'Lule' Oluoch, David 'Kamoga' Ochieng, Tobias 'Jua Kali' Ocholla, Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno, Sammy 'Pamzo' Omolo Mike Otieno, Nick 'Akura' Okoth Maurice 'Ole Tunda' Ouma, Josiah 'Biggy' Ougo, Swaleh 'Oswayo' Ochieng, Victor Onyango, Julius 'Awilo' Owino, Tobias Mahira, Mike Kisagi, Peter Gor and Peter Mwololo.
Oduor thanked Owalo for his support and urged the legends to turn around their sunset years by leveraging the concept.
Earlier in the year, the CS said ex-players should be involved in running the affairs of football in the country.
"The legends gave the prime of their youth for the pride of our country. Their exemplary rich histories on the pitch should inspire the youth to excel and lift the sport to greater heights. "
