Moalim, Mchulla begin Mombasa United rebuild

New Mombasa United head coach Abdulhamid Moalim says the club is assembling a formidable squad capable of challenging for the Football Kenya Federation Premier League title in the 2026/2027 season.

Moalim joined the newly promoted side last month after guiding Tanzanian giants Yanga FC to the league title last season. He has also previously coached Azam FC and KMC in Tanzania.

The tactician will be assisted by former Mathare United coach Mohamed Ahmed Mchulla, who returns to Mombasa United after previously coaching the club when it was known as Modern Coast Rangers in the National Super League.

Speaking to journalists in Mombasa, Moalim said the club has made good progress in preparations but will continue strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes.

“We have a good squad so far, but the window is still open and we have time to get exactly what we want as a team. We need more experience as well,” said Moalim.

Mchulla, meanwhile, expressed his delight at returning to the club after spending two years at Mathare United, saying his experience will help him in his new role as Moalim's assistant.

“I have been away for two years at Mathare. It was good exposure, and I am happy to be back to assist Moalim. I am happy with what he has been doing back in Tanzania and now here in Mombasa for Mombasa United,” said Mchulla.

Although Moalim has never coached in the Kenyan Premier League, he says he has been studying the competition and is confident his team can compete at the highest level.

“I have never coached the Kenya Premier League, but I have been studying different teams from last season. As you know, football keeps on changing from game to game and season to season. The best way to approach this situation is to prepare our squad the best way, and our players know what we expect from them.”

Mchulla has also challenged players from the Coast region to work harder and take advantage of the growing opportunities in top-flight football.

“It’s a big thing for Mombasa and Coast players that we have two teams in the top-level league. I encourage them to keep on working hard and look for opportunities in KPL teams.”

Meanwhile, Mombasa United management has dismissed claims that players released from the squad are owed unpaid salaries, insisting that the club has no outstanding debts to any former player.

Chief Executive Officer Arunga said the changes were part of efforts to build a competitive squad capable of handling the demands of top-flight football.

“Looking at KPL, we had to go for experienced players, and that’s why as a team we dropped some players. Currently, we have a strong side getting ready for the new season.”

Arunga also dismissed reports circulating on social media that some released players had not been paid their dues.

“We saw those rumours on social media, but we don’t have any player who has come to us to claim that we dropped him and are not paying up his dues,” he added.

The club has also announced plans to unveil a new sponsor ahead of the 2026/2027 season as it prepares for its FKF Premier League debut.

Mombasa United will begin their campain at home against Kakamega Homeboyz, with the newly promoted side expected to use Mbaraki Sports Club, Mombasa Sports Club and Kwale Stadium as its home venues.