24 teams set for second edition of Sisi Ni Dola Super Cup

The tournament has attracted teams from Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu, with the champions set to walk away with Ksh1 million, while the runners-up will receive Ksh500,000.

All matches will be played at Mombasa Sports Club over a five-week period, culminating in the crowning of the new champions.

Defending champions Fayaz FC will begin the defence of their title on Saturday, July 11, when they take on Magongo United in the opening match of the tournament.

Dola Sports Manager Hassan Ibrahim Mohammed said this year's edition is special as it has expanded beyond Mombasa to include all five Coast counties, providing a bigger platform for talented players to showcase their abilities.

"We received more than 200 applications from teams wishing to participate in this year's tournament. However, due to limited slots, we could only accommodate 24 teams. We intend to continue expanding the competition to include more counties and more teams in future editions," he said.

Hassan added that the tournament will also provide an ideal scouting platform for coaches and clubs from the Kenya Premier League, with the aim of increasing player representation from the Coast region.

"We are delighted that the Coast will have two teams in the Kenya Premier League next season- Mombasa United and Bandari FC. That motivated us to include more counties so that top-flight coaches can scout local talent. Our long-term goal is to see at least 60 percent of players in those teams coming from the Coast."

Mombasa County Chief Officer for Sports and Culture, Juma Goshi Ali, applauded Dola for investing in grassroots football and challenged more companies to support youth sports through corporate sponsorship.

"We appreciate Dola for consistently supporting sports development. We urge more companies to embrace corporate social responsibility by investing in local teams and leagues. Mombasa is home to many major companies, and this is the right time for them to invest in our youth, helping to fight drug abuse and crime through sports," he said.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Mombasa Vice Chairperson Betty Kerubo also welcomed the second edition of the tournament, urging participating teams to uphold discipline, integrity and fair play throughout the competition.

"The first edition was marked by discipline among all participating teams. Now that the tournament has expanded, we expect even higher standards. Let us compete with integrity, respect the rules and protect the image of our sponsors," she said.