Ex-Leopards star bemoans little support for sports

Former AFC Leopards organising secretary Timothy Lilumbi has faulted the government’s lack of support for sports in the country, saying it is the reason the Kenyan Premier League is on its deathbed.

Speaking to the press in Kakamega yesterday, Lilumbi questioned the decision to give KPL giants Gor Mahia Sh8 million, calling it a drop in the ocean and asked the government to instead move with speed and put up lasting and sustainable solutions for all sports disciplines. 

“You are all aware our former partners SportPesa who had done a tremendous job to support these two community clubs (Gor and Leopards) and other sporting activities are gone,” he said. 

“At the moment, we cannot attract any good players around the region and we are even worried the star players we have will leave because of the difficult situations we currently find ourselves in.

I believe somebody somewhere misadvised the government on controlling betting firms which were pumping a lot of resources in sports,” he added. 

Lilumbi was speaking on the back of Leopards 2-0 win over Mathare United in Mumias on Sunday, a match Ingwe almost failed to honour due to financial challenges. 

Leopards fans had to contribute Sh200,000 as a token of appreciation for the players and technical bench after the match.