CS Eliud Owalo gives K'Ogalo half a million ahead of Mashemeji Derby

Plans for the mouthwatering clash between arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards have hit a notch higher with K'Ogalo players receiving financial support.

The FKF Premier League leaders have received a handsome token of half a million from ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.

Owalo delivered the money to boost the players' morale and also facilitate their preparations for the much-awaited Mashemeji derby scheduled for Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Nyayo Stadium starting from 3:00 pm.

"Today, I have paid a courtesy call on Gor Mahia FC for a chat with the players at their MPESA Academy training ground in Thika ahead of this weekend’s Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards," Owalo statement read in part.

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"I donated a modest basic subsistence support of Ksh. 500,000 to the players as they prepare for the Derby."

"Present were MPESA Academy CEO Tony Eysele, Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier, Secretary Sam Ochola and the playing unit led by Captain Philemon Otieno."

Owalo has been an ardent supporter of Gor Mahia and this is not the first time he is making such a donation. In November 2023, Owalo through his foundation donated a bus to K'Ogalo valued at Ksh20 million.

The acquisition of the bus was a relief to Gor Mahia who faced a turbulent period earlier when auctioneers sold the previous bus.

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This situation arose following a petition by former player Wellington Ochieng’ who sought to recover unpaid wages and sign-on fees exceeding Ksh1 million through the commercial court.

"We thank CS Owalo; it is not easy to bring people together and to raise that sort of money that it takes to purchase the vehicle that he has made available to the club. It is going to make a big difference in terms of travel," Gor Mahia's coach Johnathan McKinstry stated then.

Gor face AFC Leopards who recently collected millions from the birthday anniversary staged at Nyayo Stadium.

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President William Ruto led the award-giving ceremony where he gave Ingwe Ksh10 million in cash. Other leaders present also handed in their donations which clocked north of Ksh15 million.

Speaking after receiving the money, AFC Club Chairman Dan Shikanda noted that the money will be utilised to support the team for the rest of the season.

With both clubs financially endowed at the moment, the Mashemeji Derby is expected to be a thrilling encounter with both teams daring to grab the maximum three points at stake.

Nyayo Stadium has already been prepared to host the country's biggest derby on Sunday where regulars will be charged Ksh300 while VIP fans will pay Ksh1,000.

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