Nairobi United head into the Gor Mahia match with a new Sh380 million sponsorship deal.
Coach Patrick Aussems wants Nairobi United to draw motivation from their new three-year deal ahead of Sunday’s clash with leaders Gor Mahia.
Nairobi United hope their Sh380 million SportyBet sponsorship will inspire a first league win when they face Gor Mahia on Sunday. The three-year agreement comes as the club struggles to turn investment into results.
The teams meet at Wang’uru Stadium in Mwea, with Nairobi United sitting 14th in the SportPesa Premier League. They have collected four points from five matches through four draws and one defeat.
Despite heavy spending during the transfer window, the former FKF Cup champions remain without a league victory this season. Coach Patrick Aussems now wants the partnership, announced on Thursday night, to motivate his players against the leaders.
SportyBet sponsorship lifts Nairobi United’s ambitions
Aussems, who joined the club in July, urged supporters to remain united as he works towards that breakthrough. The Belgian also expressed confidence that management’s efforts and the new backing would help deliver a victory soon.
Meanwhile, club patron and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja welcomed the sponsorship as a major boost for the team. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with their current form and said he had discussed it with players and technical staff.
Sakaja maintained that Nairobi United’s goal remains winning the league this season, despite their difficult start. Club chairman Osman Khalif also challenged the team to prove its worth on the pitch. He described the deal as strong motivation for Sunday’s meeting with Gor Mahia.
Club targets Champions League qualification
Beyond the immediate search for a win, chief executive Nelson Odaya linked the partnership to Nairobi United’s continental ambitions. He said the agreement would help the club pursue qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League.
Nairobi United reached the CAF Confederation Cup group stage last season. They now hope the new backing can support their pursuit of further success.
SportyBet Kenya Country Manager Dianne Maina said the company welcomed the opportunity to support a team with previous honours. She also expressed hope that the partnership would revive success this season and help the club win trophies.
FKF deputy president McDonald Mariga, meanwhile, urged players to take their careers seriously. He also encouraged other sponsors to support football.
