Mombasa United seek to endear to local community after rebranding

Previously known as Modern Coast and Mombasa Elite, the newly structured team has been conducting one week trials at Burhani Sports Ground in the coastal city of Mombasa to get new quality players.

Despite Mombasa having the Kenya Ports Authority-owned Bandari in the top tier league, Mombasa United CEO Nick Arunga believes the community will have a more sense of ownership with a club “that directly connects with them.”

“It's our third day of our trials and I am hopeful with our new technical bench we will get the best players to help us in the new NSL season.

“We are looking to build a strong team which will be more connected to the locals. Bandari is our team but no problem having another alternative in the KPL,” said Arunga.

He added: “We have plans as management to bring out the first community team in Mombasa and in the coast region. Other communities have bigger community teams and now it's our time".

"We have put in a branding strategy, we will have our members to get us more fans and also search for suitable sponsors for our growth.”

With Mombasa being a hub of many big companies in Kenya, the club’s Secretary General Alamin Wemalo has implored them to support community teams for talent growth.

"We have seen many companies sponsoring tournaments which aren't enough for our boys but I believe now it's high time they come out and offer sponsorship to community teams as their CSR activity.”

The club last season leaped off the relegation area during the last NSL matches, but now their focus shifts in bringing new energy and fight for promotion position to top flight football.

Team Manager Gilbert Wesonga now says their only way to get enough support is by bringing all the talents from the coast region.

“We are trying to have representation from the six Mombasa Sub-Counties, Coast region at large, and also from other parts of the country and am sure our coaches will get the best from hundreds of players that have been on our radar.”

With Bomu Stadium in Changamwe and Uwanja wa Mbuzi Stadium in Nyali under renovations by the County Government of Mombasa, Mombasa United is optimistic they will be granted rights to host their home matches at either of the two facilities as they seek to grow the fan base.