Mombasa Youth Fight Social Vices Through Sports
Mombasa County Leadership at the launch of Dola super cup. (Photo / Courtesy)
By Harrison Kivisu
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Rising social vices among youth in Mombasa County have caused Football Kenya Federation (FKF) sub-branch and Dola Group to cushion them through sports activities.
The duo have organised football tournament dubbed ‘Coast Dola Super Cup’ where teams from the region will take part in the much publicised tourney which kicked off at Mombasa Sports Club complex on Saturday, June 22, 2024.
The first match pitting Mvita Superstars and Likoni Combined kicked off at the full-packed grounds in the battle campaign for a million shilling grand prize money sponsored by Dola Company that will be won after the end of the tournament.
“Our aim is to bring the youth together, we want to promote sports and also nature talents, this kid of activities keep the youth away from drugs and other social vices,” said Saddam Suleiman Dola group company head of marketing.
Dola will cater for the entire sponsorship where accolades for top scorer, top winner and grand prize money will be awarded to teams and individual players.
“The tournament seeks to unite communities from the six coastal counties through a common event, providing a platform for young football players to showcase their talents, hone their skills and achieve personal growth.”
This comes as Mombasa and its environs continue to bear the brunt of drugs and substance abuse among the youth – a vice that has been blamed for rise insecurity and a recipe to criminal activities.
Mombasa County football association chairman Goshi Juma says the tournament will observe FIFA rules and standards of the game during officiating to ensure transparency.
“This football tournament we have partnered with FKF and all other sports partners and our objective is to develop football talents and also accommodate majority of youth to take part in sports unlike engaging on criminal activities,” he adds.
Dola Group, a leading producer of premium products including flour, edible oil, and soap, has kicked off the Dola Super Cup Tournament, where 56 football teams from six coastal counties will battle for the top prize of Ksh1,000,000.
After the county level, eight teams will be selected to take part in the Inter-County Competition that will culminate with overall winner of the Dola Super Cup being crowned.
The three-month tournament is coordinated by the Mombasa County Football Association featuring 12 teams from Mombasa and Kwale each, while Lamu, Tana River, Taita Taveta, and Kilifi each have eight teams.
