Coast football talent set for bigger stage in expanded Rashid Abdalla Super Cup

A record 44 teams will compete in the 7th Edition of the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup, with organizers promising an even bigger and more competitive tournament following its expansion across the Coast region.

The tournament, which previously featured teams from Kwale and Mombasa counties, will now welcome participants from Kilifi and Tana River, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

Speaking during the official draw held in Kwale Town, tournament founder and media personality Rashid Abdalla expressed confidence that the new edition would continue transforming young football talent across the region.

"I am happy the draw went on well. We had many teams willing to participate, meaning the tournament is making an impact on our youths. I know the 7th edition will be good because the number seven is always special," said Rashid.

He added that the organizers are keen on expanding the competition even further in future editions.

"Our hope is that in the next edition we will be able to reach out to other Coast counties like Lamu and Taita Taveta," he said.

For the first time since its inception, the tournament will introduce an age restriction, with only players aged 25 years and below eligible to participate.

According to Rashid, the move is aimed at creating more opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and attract professional clubs.

"From 23 to 25 years is the right age — the prime age for every player with a vision to reach a higher level. We have put mechanisms in place to ensure that only the right players participate," he explained.

The tournament has already established a reputation as a talent development platform, with several players earning moves to top clubs after being scouted through previous editions.

Among the success stories are Ulinzi Stars winger  Mwinyi Chibato, Bandari FC's midfielder Khamis Mwaphalu, and Mara Sugar's Mwalago Makame, all of whom have gone on to feature prominently in the Kenya Premier League.

Rashid described their progress as proof that the tournament is achieving its objectives.

"I call upon all players to step up. We have many opportunities, and many teams want players from this side. We have given them the platform and now it's their chance to show what they have. Mind the badge and mind your tomorrow," he urged.

Football Kenya Federation officials from both Kwale and Mombasa counties welcomed the tournament's expansion, saying it will play a crucial role in nurturing football talent in the region.

FKF Kwale chairman Hamisi Mwakoja praised Rashid Abdalla for spearheading what he termed a game-changing initiative for local football.

"I am happy with this edition's age limit, and I am sure soon we will have many players from the Coast region in almost every Kenya Premier League team," said Mwakoja.

His Mombasa counterpart, Alamin Abdalla, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the tournament's impact on player development.

"Through the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup, many players have been spotted by big teams and that's how we need things done. As FKF, this is what we need and we appreciate the effort being made," he said.

Defending champions Lazium FC headline Group A, where they have been drawn alongside Culture FC, Kinango Raptors FC and Black Eagles FC.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on July 11, with the grand finale set for December 20, 2026.

Lazium FC

Culture FC

Kinango Raptors FC

Black Eagles FC

Wayzata Boys

Kiweke FC

Guardforce FC

Word of Life FC

Kwale United

Real Stars FC

Albion Youth FC

Gazab FC

Sango Sportif

Club Fit FC

Kingston FC

Uprising FC

Bandari Youth FC

Toronto FC

Shanzu FC

Green Boys FC

Denmak FC

Viva Mwanyota FC

Wailers FC

Dzitsulu FC

Rwafa FC

Kitaka FC

Generation FC

Morocco FC

Change Youth FC

Buster FC

Paranja Biro FC

Zwere FC

Blue Rangers

Fafada FC

Kitivo United FC

Sparki Youth FC

Nasty Milan FC

Vimbwanga FC

Makamini FC

Marika FC

Mwavumbo FC

Kombani Youth FC

Samba FC

West German FC