Former coach of Gor Mahia is urging Kenyan football clubs to pursue substantial financial opportunities by becoming a part of the African Football League.

Former Gor Mahia assistant coach Frank Ouna has passionately urged Kenyan football clubs to embrace a significant opportunity and actively engage in the forthcoming editions of the newly-founded African Football League (AFL).

Ouna’s impassioned plea aligns with the recent commencement of the inaugural season of the AFL, which showcases premier clubs from various corners of the African continent. This historic event marked its initiation on October 20, 2023, in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

In a line-up that includes football giants like Al Ahly, Wydad AC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, TP Mazembe, Enyimba, Mamelodi Sundowns, ATL Petro Luanda, and Simba SC, the conspicuous absence of Gor Mahia, Kenya’s football powerhouse, in the inaugural roster left fans disheartened.

Ouna firmly believes that Kenyan clubs must assert their presence in the AFL, not only to match the standards of their African counterparts but also to secure a portion of the substantial rewards on offer.

The genesis of the AFL- African Football League can be traced back to Arusha, Tanzania, the headquarters of the East African Community (EAC). In this regard, the AFL’s inception in August 2022 saw the active involvement of two influential figures in the footballing world – CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino.

In alignment with the sentiments echoed by many within the Kenyan football community, Ouna stressed the paramount importance of Kenyan clubs, especially those in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), aligning themselves with the AFL in the forthcoming years.

“KPL clubs must ensure their active participation in this league within the next three editions. Failing to do so poses the risk of us falling behind our regional counterparts and the broader African football scene for the foreseeable future. The potential rewards for the victors could be in the vicinity of Ksh500 million, and I anticipate that this sum may easily surge to Ksh700 million by the fourth installment,” Ouna passionately emphasized.

Gor Mahia, recognized for its illustrious history and celebrated rivalries, has been a dominant force in Kenyan football over the years. Nevertheless, their absence from the inaugural AFL left a void in the hearts of devoted fans who had ardently anticipated the opportunity to witness their beloved team contend on the continental stage.

The AFL, extending its significance beyond serving as a platform for elite football competitions, encompasses broader objectives.

Foremost among its aims is the elevation of African club football to global standards, all while securing the financial sustainability of African football clubs.

Furthermore, the league is strategically positioned to assume a pivotal role in the cultivation and advancement of youth football talent throughout the African continent, furnishing an arena for budding stars to showcase their potential and brilliance.

Of critical importance, CAF’s vision entails that all 54 CAF Member Associations, including nations without clubs participating in the AFL, should derive advantages and financial contributions from the league’s commercial triumphs.