Fresh off promotion, Mombasa United hunt first KPL win

Mombasa United head coach Abdulhamid Moalim is confident his side will kick off their FKF Premier League campaign with a victory when they host Kakamega Homeboyz at Mbaraki Sports Ground on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists at Serani Grounds in Mombasa ahead of the season opener, Moalim said the team were highly motivated after securing promotion to the top flight through the league promotion play-offs.

“It is an exciting moment for the club. The fans, players and management have worked really hard to get this team into the Kenya Premier League. The next step is to ensure that the team competes well,” said Moalim.

Mombasa United earned promotion after beating Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in the first leg of the play-offs at Mbaraki Sports Ground. They were subsequently awarded victory after the return leg at Ulinzi Complex was abandoned following chaos involving Kariobangi Sharks players and fans.

Moalim insists his team are not joining the top flight merely to make up the numbers, but are determined to compete and finish among the league's top sides.

The tactician acknowledged that Wednesday's opponents could pose a challenge, but believes the two teams will start on an equal footing given the changes in their respective squads.

“It is a new league, and we do not know much about our opponents since most of their players have left. They also do not know much about us, so that puts us on an even footing. It is going to be a good match, and we will give our best to get maximum points,” he added.

“We need to be competitive and intense. We need to show that we want to win every game, but we also want to do it our way. We are not just going to participate; we are going to compete and aim to finish in a good position,” said Moalim.

The coastal side held their final training session at Serani Sports Ground on Tuesday as they fine-tuned preparations for their return to top-flight football against the more experienced Kakamega Homeboyz.

Captain Hakimu Msami said the players were ready to give their all as they embark on their Premier League journey, while calling on supporters to turn out in large numbers and rally behind the team.

“The journey has just started, and we promise our fans the best. We urge them to turn up in large numbers and push us to achieve maximum points. The league is a marathon,” said Msami.

He added that the team had developed strong chemistry during pre-season and were mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.

“We have bonded well since pre-season began, and I can say we are ready and mentally strong for the start of the KPL campaign,” he said.