Wazito FC President Ricardo Badoer is the new president of Former Kenya Premier League side Wazito FC, having bought the club.
Since taking over the reigns of the club at the beginning of the season, he enjoyed the team’s performance where Wazito have so far played two games, winning all of them.
Badoer arrival comes as a boost to the side that struggled in their debut season and got relegated.
Ricardo who is the founder and Chairman of Badoer Investments is also a cryptocurrency enthusiast is also a shareholder at Sumac Microfinance Bank. In July this year, he invested sh100 million in the lending company that focuses on SMEs earning him a seat at the Board as he now owns 16 per cent of the company.
Sumac currently has two branches in Nairobi, one in Githunguri in Kiambu and another in Nakuru. It is looking to expand to Eldoret, Kisumu and Meru targeting agribusinesses. The firm has a clientele base of 10,000 and loan book of Sh1 billion.
As an investment banker, Mr. Ricardo Badoer is well grounded in banking, International finance, entrepreneurship, football among others with over 16 years experience. The Swedish national who manages his international portfolio from Dubai is passionate about football and contributing to financial and banking systems that empower the majority and in particular financial empowerment and development.
Last week, he was cleared by Central Bank of Tanzania to allow him make my 23 per cent ownership in Hakika Microfinance Bank.
He founded his cryptocurrency firm Aidos Kuneen which is looking to list in different stock exchanges.
In football, he is also the owner and President of C.D Ursaria F.C in Spain.
One of the things that endeared him to Wazito FC is the passion for young talent and ambitions to be a model football club in Kenya and the region. In addition, listing in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is also one of the ambitions of the club, something he also holds are progressive in increasing accountability and transparency.
He congratulated the team and urged them to do their best to ensure they qualify for the Kenya Premier League (KPL) next season. On his part, Ricardo promised to do all he can to support the team.
He speaks English, Spanish, Italian and German.
Material derived from Wazito official portal