Migori Youth skipper opens up on Mozzart Bet’s impact on promotion campaign

Migori Youth captain Kelly Collins Otieno has opened up about the financial challenges the club faced on their way to winning the National Super League (NSL) title and securing promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The right-back, who played a crucial role in steering the club to a historic campaign, revealed that the team encountered numerous financial difficulties throughout their quest for glory.

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Despite the club securing a Ksh 6 million sponsorship deal with leading gaming firm Mozzart Bet, Otieno disclosed that players largely relied on match allowances rather than monthly salaries as they battled their way to league success.

"It is a great feeling to lead my boyhood club to NSL glory and promotion to the top-flight league. We weathered a lot of storms with no salaries, depending mainly on allowances, and it is an honour to have led the team to success.We thank Mozzart Bet for their financial support," he said.

Reflecting on the club's promotion and his own journey, the soft-spoken defender is relishing the prospect of featuring in his maiden FKF Premier League campaign.

Otieno, who has been with the club since the age of nine and rose through the ranks to captain the side to promotion and domestic cup success, says he is excited about the next chapter of his career.

The 23-year-old will be among the fresh faces in the FKF Premier League ahead of the 2026/27 season and is eager to get started.

"It has been my long-time desire to play in the top league. Even when there was pressure for me to move elsewhere and opportunities came, I chose to stay. Now I am really looking forward to playing in the FKF Premier League.

It is every player's dream to compete at the highest level and I am super excited to begin this new chapter in my career," he added.

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Ahead of their debut top-flight campaign, the skipper insists the club will adopt a realistic approach, with survival rather than lofty ambitions being the immediate target.

"We are not going to burden ourselves or become overambitious. Our focus is to perform well and, in our maiden season, retain the club's league status," he continued.

Migori Youth will be making their first-ever appearance in the FKF Premier League following a triumphant National Super League campaign.

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The captain's remarks reflect a pragmatic approach from a team fully aware of the demands that come with competing at the highest level.

Having worked tirelessly to earn promotion, Migori Youth will be keen to establish themselves among the country's elite before setting their sights on greater ambitions in the years ahead.