Sakaja pledges more Leopards support after Super Cup bailout

Sakaja pledges more Leopards support after Super Cup bailout

Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja has come to the rescue of troubled AFC Leopards after it emerged the 12-time champions were going to forfeit Sunday’s Super Cup against league champions Gor Mahia in Nakuru.

The Senator gave the team KSh1.6 million to cater for their travel allowances and the all dues the club owes players.

“Our team will stand strong. As the patron I will do all I can to my capability to see our legendary team prospers to great heights in the coming future,” Sakaja charged.

The Senator, who announced his status as the patron for the first time openly, explained his association with the club saying it started when he was a small boy.

“The club had approached me last year and wanted me to take over as the patron, but I had to wait for politics to cool down to avoid mixing up issues. My father was himself once the club’s secretary therefore I’m just serving at home. I believe we can do much more than they did in their time,” Sakaja underscored.

With shot in the arm, the youthful Senator who confirmed his attendance of the season opener expects nothing but a win for Ingwe.

 “I believe in the team that we have and hopefully we will clinch the Super Cup, and in the near future win the premier league. As you all know the team has tough CAF assignments ahead and we want to facilitate them in all ways we can, including a new lavish bus which players will be comfortable with.

“Let all come in large numbers on Sunday and cheer our boys in their first game of the season. Let us build the tempo ahead of Fosa Junior of Madagascar,” Sakaja added.

Sakaja also gave an assurance of a new sponsorship package that is better than the one immediate former sponsor had given the club, having approached several in his short span as the patron.

“We are talking to the ones who left recently and we have engaged several others. We are looking for a long lasting solution financially. Ingwe is a big team and we should not be struggling to run our routine affairs,” said Sakaja.

Interestingly, Sakaja has not shelved Gor Mahia away in the new-year tidings, promising to take them to State House alongside Leopards.

“Soon after the President is through with the issues of the cabinet, probably in one month time, I will take them (Gor and Leopards) to State House. These clubs have done us proud and being the current league and Shield champions, they deserve recognition,” promised Sakaja.

Last season, Sakaja was a major motivating factor when Leopards won the Shield against Kariobangi Sharks, beating them 2-1 at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.

-Additional reporting by Jacob Icia.

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AFC Leopards Nairobi senator Sakaja pledges more Leopards support after Super Cup bailout

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