All 25 Nairobi City players received Kshs. 5,000 each on Thursday 30 April 2020 from leading gaming firm Betika to cushion them against the economic effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic that has grossly affected football activities since mid-March.
The package was part of a collective KShs. 5.3 million distributed directly to up to 30 players in the 17 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and 19 National Super League (NSL) clubs.
City Stars field captain Anthony Muki Kimani who represented the club at the event said; “We feel appreciated. Never before has football been suspended to this extent and this token, though not enough, will go a long way in cushioning us against the economic effects of the global pandemic.”
And from the office, overall team City Stars team captain Noah Abich, on behalf of the other clubs members, said; “This is a good surprise and it comes in as a buffer to players who are finding it hard to survive due to the Corona virus pandemic that has stopped all football activities,”
“We thank Betika for being very considerate and sensitive to players countrywide. I also thank FKF for fronting the interest of players that Betika took up.” he added
While presenting the cheque to FKF President Nick Mwendwa to Muki, as well as Gor Mahia captain Kenneth Muguna, Betika commercial Head John Mbatia reiterated the leading online gaming firm’s commitment to supporting Kenyan football.
“Football has been largely affected by this pandemic and it is for this reason that we opted to partner FKF in supporting our players,” he said.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa, meanwhile, thanked Betika for coming through for the players and called on other partners to consider extending support to players from lower-tier leagues, who have also been affected by the pandemic.
“I want to thank Betika for this kind gesture towards KPL and NSL clubs,” said Mr. Mwendwa.
“As a Federation, we remain committed to exploring measures that cushion our players, right from the grassroots to the top tier leagues, during this time when football has been largely affected,” he added.