Mombasa United, Marine Queens feted after KPL, NSL promitions

Mombasa United secured a third-place finish in the National Super League (NSL), earning promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) for the 2026/27 season. Marine Queens also enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning promotion to the Women's National Super League.

The celebrations, held in Mombasa, brought together football stakeholders, club officials, and government leaders, all of whom praised the achievements of the two Coast-based clubs.

Speaking during the event, FKF Mombasa Branch Chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla and FKF Kwale Branch Chairman Hamisi Mwaokoja maintained that Mombasa United had rightfully earned promotion under regulations agreed upon before the start of the season.

“Everything was put open that three KPL teams will be relegated and three teams from the NSL will be promoted and we will stand with that. There is no play-off that we will allow to happen unless they term the 2025/26 season null and void, and that cannot happen,” said Alamin.

Mwakoja echoed those sentiments, insisting that FKF's position remains unchanged.

“We are speaking as FKF officials. Stakeholders were involved in planning and everyone was there, so that's why we are here to celebrate Mombasa United's promotion. We will start the new KPL season with three newly promoted teams and three relegated teams from last season,” he added.

The position was strongly backed by Mombasa United President Abdirahman Hussein, popularly known as “Anza Fresh,” who expressed confidence that the club would feature in the top flight next season despite an ongoing case at the Sports Tribunal.

“There is a case at the Sports Tribunal and it will not be wise to talk about a case in court, but what I can assure Mombasa United fans is that our team will play in the KPL next season, come rain or sunshine. We were given the rules at the beginning of the season and we did our best, and no one will stop us from playing in the KPL.”

“We will not be ready for any other news,” he added.

Mombasa United's promotion means the club will join fellow Coast side Bandari FC in the Kenyan Premier League next season, a development expected to provide more opportunities for talented players from the region to compete at the highest level.

According to Anza Fresh , the club's rise to the top tier will have a positive impact beyond football.

“Mombasa United joining the KPL is a big boost for Mombasa and Coast football fans. Every KPL team will come to Mombasa and it will be a big win for the county in all sectors, especially hospitality,” he said.

Alamin described Mombasa United's promotion as a major turning point for football development in the region.

“All the talent we have in Mombasa and the Coast region will now have two options , Bandari FC or Mombasa United , before seeking moves away from home,” he noted.

Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, who attended the gala, congratulated Mombasa United on their achievement and reaffirmed the county government's commitment to supporting sports infrastructure and talent development.

“I am glad to announce that we handed over Mombasa Stadium to the National Government to complete its construction, and I know it will be ready soon for use by Mombasa United. We are also building FIFA-standard stadiums at Ziwani and Mwahima to boost talent nurturing and ensure we can host teams for training during the upcoming AFCON,” said the governor.

Meanwhile, Mombasa United are expected to begin preparations for their maiden KPL campaign next week, with the club also set to unveil new signings as it strengthens its squad ahead of the new season.