Ambani gives AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia tips on how to get out of financial turmoil

© Bonface Ambani

FOOTBALL Ambani gives AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia tips on how to get out of financial turmoil

Mark Kinyanjui 11:12 - 16.09.2023

Former AFC Leopards striker Boniface Ambani has offered insightful solutions to the problem of lack of finances currently facing Kenyan clubs led by Ingwe and K'Ogalo

Former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards striker Boniface Ambani has advised Kenyan clubs on how to generate more revenue in order to solidify their financial security.

It is well documented that most football clubs in Kenya endure financial struggle but Ambani has offered solutions on how they can manage to get out of the red in order to become independent.

Speaking to Football KE Fans TV, Ambani stressed on the need for clubs to restructure their membership categories, which could play a key part in generating revenue from its own fans.

“Restructure the club. Get almost 10,000 members, and out of those, get at least 1,000 members who will each give you at least Ksh100,000 per month. And they are there,” Ambani said.

“Those that you give platinum privileges so that they can enjoy all benefits of the club. If the club acquires merchandise such as tracksuits, they will be given free of charge. Their families will be given everything for free because they will be giving Ksh100,000 per month.

“From platinum, gold. Those ones will give you maybe Ksh50,000. Bronze, who will give you Ksh10, 000 and then the normal citizen who will give you a membership of Ksh1000 or even Ksh500 shillings. This is money that is available, but you (the management) do not want to use your brain to get money.”

Ambani believes that the incorporation of membership categories could generate revenue, which could give clubs a bargaining chip when negotiating sponsorship deals.

“If you can do this, even when sponsorships come, you can tell them that you collect almost one billion from fans and I know my value, so how much are you giving me?" he added.

“You cannot come and put your sponsor on my shirt, and the money you are giving me is not even close to what the fans are generating.”

The former Leopards, Tusker and Yanga striker has challenged Ingwe and Gor Mahia in particular, to consider all ages including children when providing merchandise for sale, as it could generate extra revenue.

“After that, come to merchandise - selling of merchandise. AFC and Gor only sell shirts for adults. They do not even think that there are children who need kits as well," added Ambani.

“For example, if you have one child, I am already selling not just three shirts, but nine home and third kit, and if I am selling a jersey for Ksh1,500, I will have made almost Ksh20,000 from just one family, so imagine other people?”