Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced plans to pay affiliation fees, player card fees, and referee fees for all seventy football clubs taking part in various leagues.
Speaking during the third edition of the Mombasa County Football Association (MCFA) gala awards Governor Nassir said the move to support football teams will save more than 2000 youths indulging in drug abuse and joining juvenile gangs.
“As a County Government, we will stand with MCFA to support our youth who play football to prevent them from engaging in vices that will be destructive to their lives and the society,” said Governor Nassir.
The teams will receive between Sh20, 000-50,000 depending on the level of the league to cater for transport and other expenses. The money will be sourced from Miraa and bar licensing fees.
At the same time, Governor Nassir assured also football enthusiasts that contracts to renovate Bomu and Uwanja Wa Mbuzi Stadiums which are in a dilapidated state have been awarded and works will commence soon.
“The rehabilitation of these stadiums will allow many youths to play football, some of them are going to become the best players in Kenya in the future,” Nassir stated.
In the gala awards sponsored by the Swahili Hub Foundation, several teams and players were awarded trophies, money, and medals by MCFA. The foundation, also the sponsor of the Mombasa Premier League (MPL), announced that they will award Sh2,000,000 to the league champions in this year’s season.
Mombasa Young Stars who emerged as the champions of MPL for the fourth time were awarded Sh150, 000 with runners-up Good Hope taking home Sh80, 000.
Mvita Young Stars’ outstanding performance throughout the season cemented their image as a local football powerhouse, demonstrating their domination and excellence on the field.
Meanwhile, in the Mombasa Division One league, Junda Strikers emerged as the champions they received Sh100, 000 while the runners-up Okota SACCO got Sh50, 000.
Migombani Youth won the MSA Division Two title receiving Sh70, 000 while Mkunguni Young Stars emerged as the runners-up pocketing 50,000.
Mohammed Shenga of Golden Boys was crowned as the Best Upcoming Player, because of his promising talent and potential.
Abdulrahman Mwinyi of Coast Stars earned recognition as the Best Goalkeeper whereas else Abdulmajid Ahmed of Mvita Young Stars clinched the title of Best Scorer with an impressive tally of 34 goals.
Fahad Abdulaziz of Mvita Young Stars was named the Best Manager for his outstanding leadership in guiding his team to win the title.
Soweto FC fans were awarded as the best supporting fans, demonstrating their undying loyalty and passionate support for their team while Coast Stars FC were awarded the Fair Play Award.
James Ogada was acknowledged for his outstanding performance as Best Match Official while Mombasa Phoenix was recognized as the Best Discipline Team.
Mohammed Simba of Magongo Rangers FC received the award of appreciation for football development, through his contributions to the growth and development of football in the region.
By Abdulrahman Allui
