Raila launches Gor Mahia bread as K’Ogalo gets 'full bread' sponsorship from Nakuru

RAILA LAUNCHES GOR MAHIA BREAD
CORD leader Raia Odinga while launching Gor Mahia bread at Jomo Kenyatta sports ground in Kisumu on April 21 2015.PIC BY COLLINS ODUOR

Kenya Premier League Champions Gor Mahia breakfast will now consist of bread after they secured a sponsorship deal with Nakuru based Good Bread Kenya Limited.

The deal, which was unveiled by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground in Kisumu yesterday, will see the company pay one shilling for every bread purchased to the club.

"As you know Gor Mahia have had no sponsors and I was in India to talk to the India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, they wanted to know where they can invest and help provide jobs to our youths," said Raila Odinga.

"I met there my friend Srinivasa Reddy of Good Bread Kenya and they showed their interest to partner with Gor Mahia and that is why we are here today to launch Gor Mahia Bread."

 

Raila, who was in India last month, said after meeting Indian Businessmen, he pitched for them to help the club and he was happy to have secured one immediately.

"I also want AFC leopards to get stronger so that we can have a quality league. I believe we have talent in our country that can equal that of Messi, Ronaldo or Sanchez. We should help get these players out and provide them the platform to showcase their talent.

"But lack of sponsorship has forced us to think outside the box and we want our players be paid well just like their friends in Europe," said Raila.

Thousands of Gor Mahia fans and supporters of Raila Odinga thronged the Jomo Kenyatta grounds to witness the unveiling of the sponsorship and pledged to continue supporting the club through its turbulent economic times.

Mr. Reddy said their company, which operates in the Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley regions, will start producing Gor Mahia Bread and urged fans to embrace it.

"Please the more you buy it the better for your club. We intend to sell over 140,000 breads daily. That in a month will translate to over Sh4 million that will go towards the club.

"We want to do business and you will help us get this amount to the club," he said.

Gor Mahia Vice Chairman John Pesa said Nairobi area will also be incorporated soon to help widen the market scope, targeting areas where the clubs fan base is.

"We expect the figures to increase depending on the market response. We have 27 players and we are struggling to pay their salaries and allowances," said Pesa.

Gor Mahia lost its appetite for milk when it ended its sponsorship with Tuzo, but their breakfast will still have the much needed energy with what is expected to be their new choice of bread on the menu.

Pesa said Raila has been called upon on many occasions to salvage the club financially, and was happy he was able to secure a sponsor on board.

Raila was hopeful Gor Mahia will keep their top form and retain the title for the third time in a row. He added that with better sponsorship, Gor will be able to attract better coaches to handle the players.