The Johnson Sakaja Foundation has committed Sh50 million to Nairobi United Football Club to enable them acquire the resources needed to soar to greater heights.
Speaking during the official takeover of the club by Sakaja Foundation held on Friday at City Hall in Nairobi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said through the foundation, he would cater for various expenses for players in the club in the areas of training, talent development and education.
‘I’m very competitive and I love winning no matter the cost. I expect discipline, diligence, commitment and unity from the team,’ said the Governor.
He said he was looking for the best players, and urged them to take their training seriously to enable them maintain their current positions.
‘We are currently investing in sports. We already have centres in Dandora and Woodley and one of them will host the Nairobi Football Academy,’ said Sakaja.
He announced that the academy would partner with educational institutions to offer training for various talents from th
e age of six.
The Governor who announced that the Sakaja Super Cup would commence on 1st October 2024, lauded the soccer sport saying that it promotes good behaviour which is good for society.
‘The Second Edition is going to be bigger and better. Last time we had 340 football teams but this time we are doing 780 teams in Nairobi,’ he stated.
The Governor at the same time revealed that the winner of the competition, the first and second runners-up garnered Sh3 million, Sh2 million and Sh1 million and promised to add more funds to the prize money.
Sakaja urged the coach to scout for talent during the competition and insisted on having the best players in Nairobi United.
‘I want professionals in club management. I’ve never run a football team but I want to have the best, so the Chairman of Nairobi United guide me on who you want,’ he added.
He said the initiative by the Sakaja Foundation was an experiment of how a team could be helped to succeed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Nairobi United Samuel Born
Maina assured of his commitment to support the team, and promised to uphold the club’s vision.
‘I want to give you a guarantee that we are going to support you but you must promise me that Nairobi United will not only proceed to the Kenyan Premier League but also be the best team in the country,’ said Maina.
The official takeover of Nairobi United by the Johnson Sakaja Foundation is an initiative that shows the commitment of the Office of the Governor of Nairobi to supporting various talents for the betterment of the country.
Source: Kenya News Agency