Broke Mombasa Stars fret over NSL new season

The club changed its name from Coast Stima to Coastal Heroes after Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) terminated their sponsorship deal in 2020 a move that also saw Nairobi Stima and Western Stima —both enjoying support from the company —go under.

The NSL outfit then rebranded again last year opting for Mombasa Stars name as they aimed at wooing commercial partners but the move is yet to bear fruits, and Madaga fears ‘life will be difficult’ in 2024/2025 season that kicks off on September 21.

“I’ve assembled a new team with players who are willing to understand our financial situation. I also don’t want to blame those who have left for greener pastures as I don’t have the capacity to keep them at the club without money,” he told Citizen Digital.

Stars, who finished 12th last season, have experienced a mass exodus of top guns led by their top scorer Joel Kihara, who joined FKF Premier League side Murang’a Seal.

Others who exited the club include goalkeeper Sheikh Aleley and midfielder Dennis Magige, who were both recalled by their parent team Bandari FC before being loaned again to another NSL side, Mombasa United.

Stars also lost Ramadhan Mwanzia and Ramadhan Salim to rivals Mombasa United.

“You can't replace Kihara, but we will try to get a replica of Kihara who is willing to learn and live his dream through us. We can't go for big names due to our financial situation so we have opted for upcoming players whom we believe will take the club to the next level,” Madaga added.

They have roped in 13 players led by Timothy Omondi and Eddie Basil—both from Shimanzi FC.

Others are Abdulrahman Ahmed, Chirangu Masudi, Sammy Baya—all from Mombasa Allstars, Micheal Gabriel of Samwest Balckboots, Iddi Rashid from Congo Boyz and Ali Omeyar from Kishada FC.

Stars have also recalled their old guns Jacob Muchiri, who was unattached, Rodgers Okumu from Simba Apparel and Hawkins Ademba who crossed from SS Assad FC.

Fahim Omar from Congo Boyz and Sam Nathan from Kisumu Hotstars are other additions ready to don Mombasa Stars colours when the new season kicks off.

 —Mombasa companies—

With Mombasa being the hub of big companies, Mombasa Stars Team Manager Ken Juma has rallied them to support community teams in order to nurture more talents.

“The Dola Super Cup is a perfect example. Most of our players participated in the tournament but my question is what next after the final? Let these companies support teams like ours as a CSR activity.”

Stars kick off the 2024-2025 NSL season at home against Nairobi United.