NAIROBI, March 24 – With the wind of fortune that has blown Gor Mahia’s way in terms of sponsorships, the club is set to rationalise players’ salaries to close huge wage disparities.
On top of the Sh65million a season sponsorship from betting firm SportPesa, K’Ogalo last week unveiled a Sh50million three-year sponsorship from South African company SABMiller through their beverage brand Crown.
Collectively, Gor will be earning close to Sh71million a season in sponsorship alone, not counting the millions they earn in gate collections.
With this new financial lease of life, Gor boss Ambrose Rachier revealed to Capital Sport that that new development will benefit players.
“It is something we are looking at now that we have money coming in from sponsors. We have to look at a way which the players will benefit as well. We will deliberate on the best way possible to rationalise their salaries,” Rachier said.
Towards the end of last season at the height of Gor’s financial struggles, there was a silent uproar from some of the senior local based players that the foreign players were earning a lot compared to them.
“We feel like we are not valued yet we do either the same or some of us even more than them yet they are paid so much money. It is hurting,” one of the players previously stated.
However, the club will be looking at improving the allowance and bonus package that was the born of contention when the players went on a go slow.
“It is a relief for everyone at the club because at least we can now have quality preparations and we will be going to camp before matches. We want to ensure our players are comfortable,” Rachier, who also doubles up as Kenyan Premier League chairman, added.
With new coach Jose Marcello Ferreira taking over his second week in charge of the defending champions, Gor will be hoping for a change in fortunes when the league resumes next week.
The three-peat champions are winless in five matches on four points to sit in unfamiliar 12th position and seven points adrift of joint leaders their bitter rivals AFC Leopards.