Gor, Leopards continue giving SportPesa ‘free publicity’
Three weeks after SportPesa withdrew its sponsorship, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are still donning jerseys emblazoned with the betting firm’s name and logo.
On Saturday, Ingwe and K’Ogalo were in SportPesa branded jersey’s during their high profile pre-season friendly matches.
Gor Mahia thrashed Ugandan champions KCCA 4-2 at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium, while Leopards struggled to outscore Thika United 2-1 at the latter’s Thika sub-county stadium.
It is unclear why the two teams are offering SportPesa publicity, especially if they are getting nothing in return.
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Early this month, SportPesa withdrew their sponsorship for the two clubs – valued at Sh100 million – and other sports entities in the country in the wake of an increased tax levy by the government.
Unconfirmed reports however indicate that SportPesa could be reconsidering that decision.
“We are trying to talk to the government about the new taxes and I’m hopeful we can arrive at a solution,” said SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri, at the KPL Awards gala night.
But in an apparent response to SportPesa, Deputy President William Ruto this week ruled out the possibility of a tax reprieve for betting, lottery and gaming firms in the country.