Mombasa United, the newly rebranded side formerly known as Modern Coast and Mombasa Elite, is making waves in the National Super League (NSL) with ambitious plans to become Mombasa’s first community-based team in the FKF-Premier League. With a renewed focus on local engagement and talent development, the team is working tirelessly to build a squad that not only competes at the highest level but also deeply resonates with the coastal city’s community.
The club, under the leadership of CEO Nick Arunga, has embarked on a fresh chapter, marked by a week-long series of trials at Burhani Sports Ground in Mombasa. The trials aim to identify and recruit quality players who will drive the team’s performance in the upcoming NSL season. Arunga is optimistic about the potential of the new technical bench to unearth the best talent. He emphasizes the club’s commitment to creating a strong bond with the local community, which he believes will foster a greater sense of ownership and pride among Mombasa’s residents.
“Our goal is to build a team that is not only competitive but also deeply connected to the local community,” Arunga stated. “While Bandari is a well-established team in the top tier, we believe that having a community-focused club like Mombasa United will offer locals a more personal connection to the sport.”
This vision for Mombasa United aligns with the broader strategy to establish a prominent community team in the region. Arunga and his management team are dedicated to implementing a branding strategy that will engage local fans and attract potential sponsors. The team’s new identity and community-driven approach are seen as critical steps in achieving their goal of joining the FKF-Premier League.
Secretary General Alamin Wemalo has called on local companies to step up their support for community teams. “We have seen numerous companies sponsor tournaments, but this has not been enough to support our local talent fully. It’s time for these companies to back community teams as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts,” Wemalo urged.
Last season, Mombasa United narrowly avoided relegation, but their current focus is firmly set on promotion. The team’s strategy includes leveraging talent from the six Mombasa Sub-Counties and the broader Coast region, as well as scouting talent from other parts of the country. Team Manager Gilbert Wesonga is confident that the diverse pool of players on the club’s radar will help build a squad capable of achieving promotion to the top flight.
With the ongoing renovations of Bomu Stadium in Changamwe and Uwanja wa Mbuzi Stadium in Nyali by the County Government of Mombasa, Mombasa United is hopeful that one of these facilities will become their home ground. The potential access to these newly upgraded stadiums is expected to enhance the team’s ability to grow its fan base and create a vibrant home match experience.
As Mombasa United prepares for the new season, the club’s commitment to community engagement, local talent development, and strategic growth positions them as a rising force in Kenyan football. The journey to the FKF-Premier League is set to be an exciting one, with Mombasa United aiming to capture the hearts of football fans across the region and make a significant impact on the national stage.
