Two-time World Champion Abel Kirui hails Mozzart Bet for transforming APS Bomet's fortunes
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 06.06.26. | 16:57
In December 2025, Mozzart Bet became the club's official shirt sponsor after signing an initial sponsorship package worth Ksh11 million, comprising Ksh10 million in cash and Ksh1 million in merchandise
Two-time World Marathon champion Abel Kirui has credited Mozzart Bet's sponsorship for helping transform APS Bomet from relegation candidates into one of the success stories of the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
Kirui, who currently serves as the Deputy Director of Sports and Chaplaincy at the Administration Police Service (APS), praised the betting firm's contribution after the side secured a comfortable 10th-place finish in their maiden season in Kenya's top flight.
APS Bomet orchestrated a remarkable turnaround after spending much of the campaign in the relegation zone.
The Bomet-based side put together an impressive 11-match unbeaten run, winning seven matches during that period, to finish the season with 44 points and comfortably preserve their Premier League status.
Among their key results was a 2-0 victory over Bandari in Mombasa, while the side also went unbeaten throughout April and May as they climbed away from danger.
In December 2025, Mozzart Bet became the club's official shirt sponsor after signing an initial sponsorship package worth Ksh11 million, comprising Ksh10 million in cash and Ksh1 million in merchandise.
The partnership came at a crucial point in the season and has since been extended, ensuring continued support for the club as it seeks to establish itself among the country's elite teams.
Kirui believes the sponsorship played a major role in the team's revival.
"I would like to sincerely thank Mozzart Bet for the support they have given this team. I also want to appreciate the DIG because his backing has been instrumental to our progress throughout the season," the former marathoner said.
"When Mozzart Bet came on board, we were struggling and sitting 16th on the table. We finished 10th, which is a remarkable achievement for this team. Their sponsorship has not only helped the club compete better but has also directly benefited the players,” he continued.
According to Kirui, the sponsorship improved player welfare and boosted morale within the squad, allowing them to focus fully on football.
"The boys have been motivated, their welfare has improved, and they have been able to focus more on football, knowing that they have support behind them. The sponsorship boosted their morale tremendously, and that confidence translated into better performances on the pitch.
Mozzart Bet's contribution has played a huge role in helping us achieve our goals this season. We are truly grateful and look forward to growing this partnership in the years to come,” he said.
Central to APS Bomet's revival was head coach Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo, who took charge of a side many had already tipped for relegation.
The former Kenya international quickly instilled belief and discipline within the squad, turning the Law Enforcers into one of the league's most difficult teams to break down.
Under his stewardship, APS Bomet registered nine clean sheets, contributing significantly to the club's overall tally of 12 shutouts during the season.
The defensive solidity became the cornerstone of the team's resurgence, helping them collect valuable points and steadily climb up the table.
Omollo's impact was recognised at the FKF Premier League Gala, where he won back-to-back Coach of the Month awards for April and May following the team's outstanding run of form.
Kirui reserved special praise for the tactician, recalling a conversation after one of the club's most memorable victories of the season.
"We also cannot talk about the success of this team without recognising Coach Pamzo. I remember after our victory over Bandari in Mombasa, I called him and told him that God was with him.
His leadership, dedication, and belief in the team have been exceptional. Thank you, Pamzo, and keep going. As for next season, I am making a promise: we will be fighting for a top-five finish. Just wait and see,” he said.
.jpg)
For Kirui, the success represents another chapter in a distinguished sporting career. The former marathon star retired in 2025 after an illustrious two-decade journey that saw him become one of Kenya's greatest long-distance runners.
Kirui first rose to global prominence after winning marathon gold at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin in a time of 2:06:54.
He successfully defended his title at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, winning by a remarkable margin of two minutes and 28 seconds, the largest winning margin ever recorded in the history of the World Championship marathon.
His glittering career also includes a silver medal in the marathon at the 2012 London Olympics.