Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo has hinted that the record Kenyan champions could soon take a major step toward becoming a fully commercialized football club.
Owalo made the remarks while presenting new tracksuits to the club’s women’s team, Gor Queens at Makongeni Grounds on Saturday.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Efficiency at the State House of Kenya, who has been instrumental in the club’s revival and restructuring, emphasized the need for Gor Mahia to operate as a sustainable business entity.
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Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo explains plan to commercialize the club
According to Owalo, the future of football lies in running clubs professionally and independently rather than relying solely on sponsorships or gate collections.
“It is about time the club goes corporate and begins to work as a business, just like other top clubs around the world, for long-term sustainability,” Owalo said. “We will reach out to more prospective sponsors to come in and support the team in areas not currently covered by our main sponsor.
But in the long run, Gor Mahia must operate as a business. That is what clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona have done. We cannot be an exception.”
Owalo further revealed that the club is in the process of formulating the long-term strategic plan, which will include a roadmap for financial stability, investment, and commercial growth.
“Very soon, we are going to come up with a comprehensive strategic plan, and central to that will be a sustainable means of running the club from a financial perspective,” he added.
His remarks come at a time when Gor Mahia continues to dominate Kenyan football but still faces challenges related to funding and infrastructure.
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The club, which currently enjoys sponsorship from leading gaming firm SportPesa, has often struggled to maintain financial balance, especially during periods without a major sponsor.
Owalo’s vision could mark a turning point for the record league champions, steering them toward modern football management practices.
Commercialization would allow the club to generate revenue through merchandise, broadcasting rights, youth academies and other business ventures a move that could make Gor Mahia self-reliant and more competitive both locally and continentally.