admin_county
June 10, 2018
County congratulates Gor, calls for partnership in sports development
The County Government of Nakuru congratulates Gor Mahia FC for winning the Sportspesa Super Cup tournament played at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.
Deputy Governor DR Erick Korir thanked the event organizers for having thought of and chosen Nakuru as the venue.
Kenya was represented by the inaugural Sportpesa Super Cup winners Gor Mahia FC, AFC Leopards, Kariobangi Sharks and Kakamega Homeboyz while Tanzania fronted strong teams; Yanga Sports Club, Simba Sports Club and Singida United Football Club with Zanzibar fielding Jeshi La Kujenga Ushumi (JKU).
In the quarters played on June 03, Kakamega Homeboyz eliminated Tanzanian giants Yanga 3-1 with JKU receiving an equal beating Gor Mahia 3-0.
In other quarters played on June 04, Simba Sports Club sent home Karibangi Sharks 3-2 in post-match penalties. On June 05, Tanzanian Singida eliminated AFC Leopard 4-2 in post-match penalties.
In the first semifinal played on June 07, Simba beat Kakamega Homeboyz 5-4 in post-match penalties to advance to the finals. In the second semis on the same day, Gor Mahia thrashed Singida 2-0 to secure a slot at today’s finals.
The Kenya and Tanzania respective league leaders took on each other with Gor beating Simba 2-0 to lift the trophy for the second time and secure a ticket to play against Everton at Goodson Park in Liverpool, England later in the year.
Nakuru is home to top footballers such as Curtis Osano who played for English side Reading FC from 2005 to 2008, John Mo Muiruri, former Tusker FC and Utalii FC midfielder now coaching in Norway, David ‘Calabar’ Owino, a 2-time best defender in the Kenyan league now with Zesco United in Zambia among many others.
The game of football has transformed over years thanks to governments’ commitment to allocating funds progressively over years and the coming in of key sponsors.
The Deputy Governor welcomed individuals and corporate who would like to invest in sports and other sectors in our county.
He said Afraha Stadium is set for a major renovation to meet international standards. The pitch will be re-done, proper stands for the fans erected and tartan tracks laid. The upgrading process is set to begin once the rains subside.
The County Government of Nakuru has developed the Nakuru County Sports Fund regulations, a driver behind the allocation of Sh30 million towards sports in Ward level.
Sub-county football leagues are underway in various constituencies and we look forward to selecting a strong team that will form a Nakuru County Football Club. Vihiga County has shown that it’s possible through their Vihiga United Football Club. Selected players will be absorbed in our various departments with a keen adherence to training schedules.
The week-long tournament brought to our County hundreds of guests among them footballers, coaches, team doctors, service providers, and fans. Indeed, the ripple effect can be felt in our hospitality industry.
Sports tourism is a fast-growing sector of the global travel industry and equates to over Kshs700 trillion. The DG said the Country and the County must get a sizeable share of proceeds as Kenya remains a favorite tourist destination.
He urged relevant sectors such as Trade, Tourism, and Sports to come up with packages that will enhance Sports Tourism.
Hooliganism in sporting activities cannot go unmentioned. Fans are the best custodians of our facilities. Dr Korir urged fans and players to always observe restraint whenever their favorite teams lose as the Swahili saying goes Asiye kubali kushindwa si mshindani (He who does not admit defeat is not a sportsman).
He noted that governments have invested so much and destruction of facilities is criminal in addition to killing the beautiful game.