Gor Mahia - Sadili Set Up Junior Soccer Academy Program

George Bwana (Gor Secretary General), Gordon Oluoch
(Commissioner for Sport) & James Odera
(Chairman, Sadili Oval Sports Academy)

2013 Premier League winners, GOR MAHIA FOOTBALL CLUB today signed an MOU with top regional training school, Sadili Oval Sports Academy, to jointly set up a world class football academy system for players in the U9 to U15 category, in order to provide a strong field of talent from which selection to the senior teams can be done in the future. They will share technical expertise and offer opportunities to select players to train with or play for Gor Mahia in the future.

Sadili players with Gor Technical Team

In his speech read on behalf of the Chairman, Mr. Owuor Ominde, the Treasurer of Gor Mahia, said, "This partnership marks the first feeder program for any Premier League team in Kenya, and leads the way in football development in the region. Mr. Abok James Odera, Chairman of the Board of Sadili Oval Sports Academy, welcomed additional partners and sponsors both locally and internationally to ensure the success of the program.

Dr. Liz Odera, Sadili Executive Director

Speaking for the Government, the Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Gordon Oluoch, reiterated the need for all clubs to emulate what Gor Mahia has done, adding that the government is keen to also establish county sports academies to help identify and defend talent. 

Also present was the Head Coach of Gor Mahia, Mr. Bobby Williamson, who felt that it was encouraging to see a program that included schooling, as it ensured that players get a good education, and combine football with other careers.

Sadili's renowned director, Dr. Liz Odera said that, to jumpstart the talent selection process, a first camp shall be held at Sadili Oval in Langata from 3rd to 7th December 2013. This camp is open to players from within the East African region.

Gor Stars flanked by young academy recruits

Gor Mahia is a leading football club based in Kenya, playing the Premier League, and is a brand that enjoys a strong national and international following. Gor Mahia Football club was formed on February 17 1968 following the amalgamation of Luo Union FC and Luo Stars football clubs. Through the years, Gor Mahia has participated in many top Africa and regional tournaments, performing well and building their brand as one of the most exciting senior club teams in the continent.

SADILI OVAL SPORTS ACADEMY is East Africa’s top academy, an international brand for youth sport and education development.

Sadili Soccer Academy provides opportunities for students to integrate their personal interests with their education in preparation for university and all of their life journeys. We have been in operation, offering top class soccer training for the last 22 years, and worked with more than 7,000 children and youth, and growing into a professionally run organization.

Picture: left to right - George Bwana, Gor Secretary General, Gordon Oluoch, Commissioner for Sports, A. J. Odera, Chairman of Sadili Oval Sports Academy at the signing of the MOU.