Lack of Sports Facilities Affect Clubs as Sisi Ni Dola Cup Kicks Off

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mombasa soccer stakeholders have raised concerns over the shortage of sports facilities within the county complaining it was hindering the development of talents among the youth.

Led by County Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Alamin Ahmed, the officials have called on the national and county governments to invest in modern sports infrastructure and facilities to support and steer young talents exploit their potentials and avoid negative influences.

“We want to bring youth on board, but you can’t do so without good playing facilities. This is a big problem that needs urgent attention,” he stated and applauded Dola Group of Companies for their efforts in nurturing local talents.

The shortage of playing grounds has become even more critical since the closure of the county’s Municipal Stadium currently under refurbishment.

His sentiments were echoed by Rajab Babu, a coach and sports convener at Mombasa Sports Club who noted that the Sisi Ni Dola Cup would play a pivotal role in nurturing talent.

“Many talents continue to go unnoticed due to the lack of platforms to showcase their abilities,” he said.

He expressed hope that the tournament would attract scouts who could help identify and elevate local players.

“Let’s create tangible legacies in 20 years, we should be able to say, ‘this is what we’ve produced in the field of sports.”

The convener challenged the youth to balance their passion for football with education emphasising the importance of preparing for life after sports.

“One of the biggest challenges is the lack of structured player mapping to feed the national team. And the number one contributing factor is the shortage of playgrounds , a violation of FIFA’s primary requirements.”

Dola Cup kicks off

At least 20 teams are set to compete in the one-month-long Sisi Ni Dola Cup that kicks today, Friday, October 3, 2025 at the Mombasa Sports Club grounds.

The tournament promises a thrilling football action and an opportunity for fans to cheer on their local teams.

Hassan Ibrahim Kipapa, Dola’s sports director, confirmed that the participating teams are drawn from Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.

The winning team will walk away with a grand prize of Ksh500,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive Ksh50,000 and best players to pocket Ksh20,000 respectively.

“The previous Dola Super Cup was held across all six coastal counties. While that tournament will return every three years, our current focus is on the Sisi Ni Dola Cup, dedicated to Mombasa and selected invited teams from Kwale and Kilifi,” he said.

Teams such as Kwale’s Denmark FC and Kwale United are expected to spice up the competition, while Mtwapa United will represent Kilifi County in this debut edition.

A Platform for Talent and Promotion

Sadam Suleiman, managing director of Dola Group of Companies, confirmed that the Sisi Ni Dola Cup would be an annual event serving both as a talent development platform and a product marketing opportunity for the company.

“We hope that by the end of the tournament, several promising players will be identified and nurtured,” he said.

During the official launch held at the Sports Complex, the club’s captain Mohamed Madigi called on the youth to attend the matches in large numbers and support their local teams.

“This is one of the most competitive tournaments in the region. Let’s come out and cheer our teams,” he urged.