Gor Mahia’s return to the apex of continental football should be lauded.
The Kenyan champions defeated South Africa’s Supersport United last week to progress to the money-spinning group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
This is the first time in two decades that a Kenyan club will feature at this stage of the competition, where fixtures against Algeria’s USM Algiers, Yanga (Tanzania) and Rayon Sport (Rwanda) are lined up.
Gor’s feat comes with a Sh27.5 million cheque in prize money from the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
K’Ogalo also stands to earn up to Sh125 million if they go all the way and win the title.
With Kenya’s football standards arguably among the lowest in Africa, Gor Mahia’s resurgence is timely.
Competing at this stage will hand the popular club a chance to not only make some money but also market the local sport and players — most of whom are Kenyans.
The government should fully support this team since it will be flying the national flag high.
It should speed up the ongoing renovation of stadiums so that Gor can hold their matches across the country.
Also, other Kenyan clubs should work hard and aim for continental outings so as to benefit financially and ease their cash burdens since the money can be used to improve their training facilities and players’ lives.