Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo has held a high-level meeting with senior officials of English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth during his visit to the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Deputy Chief of Staff confirmed that he met Bournemouth Club President Jim Frevola, Commercial Director Rob Mitchell, and Partnerships Development Manager Sam McIntyre.
Owalo said the talks focused on exploring potential partnerships aimed at developing football in Kenya.
“This evening I held a meeting with the management of Bournemouth Football Club, led by Club President Jim Frevola, Commercial Director Rob Mitchell, and Partnerships Development Manager Sam McIntyre,” Owalo said in the statement. “Our discussions centred on exploring opportunities for collaboration with Bournemouth FC to help grow football in Kenya.”
The meeting came shortly after Owalo attended Bournemouth’s Premier League match, in which the Cherries rallied from behind to draw 2–2 with West Ham.
Former Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson struck twice in the first half to give the Hammers the lead before Andoni Iraola’s side mounted a strong second-half comeback. Substitute Enes Unal secured a point after Marcos Senesi pierced West Ham’s defence with a clever pass.
Owalo praised the intensity and quality shown by both teams in the thrilling encounter.
Despite the spirited performance, Iraola expressed disappointment at missing out on a top-four position, lamenting defensive errors and a controversial refereeing decision.
“It is not a good result for us. We made mistakes, and we cannot concede the two goals we did in the first half,” he said. “Overall, we were much better and had many chances. I also have to complain about the penalty—it is a clear red card. I don’t understand the decision.”
He added: “They told me it was not the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity, but I cannot see a clearer one, right in the six-yard box. These decisions sometimes go either way, but in this case, I see no justification.”
