PHOTOS: Raila Odinga launches Gor Mahia partnership with Two Rivers

ODM Party Leader and Gor Mahia Patron Raila Odinga during K'Ogalo and Two Rivers partnership at Two Rivers Mall in Limuru, Kiambu County on Wednesday 14/10/2020. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, who is also Gor Mahia’s patron, launched the club’s partnership with Two Rivers in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The function graced by the former Prime Minister, business mogul Chris Kirubi, Gor’s chairman Ambrose Rachier and players, saw the club receive a new training ground ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Raila lauded Two Rivers for the kind gesture and challenged other corporates to support local talent for growth of sports in the country.

“I commend Two Rivers for partnering with Gor Mahia and offering them the mall’s Sports District for use as their training ground this season. I urge more corporate entities to support local sports teams especially community clubs,” the ODM leader pointed out after the ceremony held at Two Rivers’ CK Square.

Rachier thanked Mr Kirubi, who is a Director at Two Rivers, saying the new facility will provide Gor with much-needed privacy.

“We thank Chairman Chris Kirubi for partnering with us and giving us a training ground which we have been using for slightly one month now while observing the COVID-19 protocols like social distancing.

“Camp Toyoyo is overcrowded and we did not have sufficient time to train, now here at Two Rivers we train in the morning and evening and also gives us the privacy we need,” said Rachier.

Kirubi, who is a renowned champion of youth matters, urged players to show urgency and make K’Ogalo a better side that competes with other African giants.

“We will give Gor the necessary support that they need so that they can prosper and I urge everyone to come on board so that the team can continue being the leading team in Kenya.

“I beg our young players to be careful and disciplined. We are looking forward to a happy relationship,” said Kirubi.

A light moment from Raila Odinga:

Nani kama Baba...At the Gor Mahia event this afternoon I let loose and shook a leg with the team. ="https://t.co/Yd8v55fI10">pic.twitter.com/Yd8v55fI10< — Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) ="https://twitter.com/RailaOdinga/status/1316410402482290689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2020<

Earlier on Wednesday, the FKF Premier League released fixtures for the 18 football clubs ahead of the new season.

Gor will deal with Tusker in a season opener set to begin in late November.

The 2019/20 champions were handed other tough fixtures as Ulinzi Stars will be the second team to face the “Green Army”.

Also in the line are the 2008 KPL champions Mathare United who will visit K’Ogalo in a venue yet to be confirmed.

K’Ogalo fixtures as released on Wednesday

1. Tusker Vs Gor Mahia

2. Gor Mahia Vs Ulinzi Stars

3. Mathare United Vs Gor Mahia

4. Gor Mahia Vs Sofapaka

5. Bidco United Vs Gor Mahia

Photos of the ceremony at Two Rivers Mall:

Raila Odinga(left) joins Gor Mahia players and DMA Studios dancers in Jerusalem dance challenge during Gor Mahia and Two Rivers partnership at Two Rivers Mall on Wednesday 14/10/2020. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The former Prime Minister with business mogul Chris Kirubi during the ceremony. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Gor Mahia team manager Jolawi Obondo (left) and Chairman Ambrose Rachier chat during the partnership event on Wednesday. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

ODM party leader and Gor Mahia patron Raila Odinga(right) greets newly appointed coach Roberto Oliveira. [Boniface Okendo, Standard

Head coach Oliveira (right) holds the team flag from fan Jaro Soja in Kiambu County on Wednesday 14/10/2020. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]