Govt backs Sportpesa efforts to bring Everton, says EPL club tour good for Kenyan tourism

The Government will fully support the high-profile match pitting Kariobangi Sharks against English premier League side – Everton FC.

Sports Cabinet Secretary, Amina Mohammed, said the match will market Kenya as a tourist destination.

She lauded Sportpesa for sponsoring the match and pleaded with other corporates to emulate the betting firm and run similar initiatives.

She made the remarks on Monday morning when she teamed up with officials from Sportpesa, Football Kenya Federation and Kariobangi Sharks in unveiling the match at Kasarani Stadium.

Kariobangi Sharks chairman, Robert Maoga, said his team were prepared for the showdown and hoped they can upset the odds.

He narrated how the club had impacted on the community, changing the fortunes of several players, among them John Collins, Tom Teka and Patilla Omotto.

“We have struggled to be where we are. I am happy to see what we have achieved through that short period,” said Maoga.

“We have changed the lives of several players who were rejected by their former clubs. I thank Sportpesa for supporting my club and sports in general.”

Sportpesa CEO Ronald Karauri predicted Harambee Stars participation in the 2022 World cup and wished them great success.

“It is an even greater privilege to arrange a landmark event where a talented Kenyan team gets the opportunity to go head-to-head with this top English team. We are happy to partner with FKF in this historic match,” averred Karauri.

FKF President Nick Mwendwa said: “This is a great moment for Kenyan football and I urge all fans to come to the stadium on the day. This is not just about Sharks, its history for African football.”

The friendly match will be the first 2019 pre-season friendly for the seasoned Liverpool-based EPL Club and the second visit to East Africa.

Everton first visited the continent in July 2017 when they beat Gor Mahia 2-1 in Dar es Saalam, with legend Wayne Rooney grabbing headlines with a stunning effort on his return to the club.

Kariobangi Sharks FC earned the right to host Everton after beating fellow SportPesa Premier League side – Bandari, with a solitary goal to win the SportPesa Cup in January this year.