Coastal Talents Emerge as Tournament enters Round of 16

By Mungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Bandari Football Club and Mombasa United have been challenged to capitalise on the wealth of talent being displayed at the ongoing Sisi Ni Dola Cup.

This is, as tournament organisers insist the competition has become a genuine pathway for players, capable of making the step up to the FKF Premier League and National Super League.

As the tournament reaches its decisive group-stage climax at Mombasa Sports Club, attention is turning not only to qualification for the knockout rounds, but also to the emerging stars catching the eye of scouts and coaches.

Dola Group sports director Hassan Kipapa believes the tournament has highlighted the depth of football talent available in the Coast region and called upon top clubs to take interest and invest in local players.

“The group stage has been highly competitive and we are now entering the last round before the knockout stage,” he said.

The director praised coaches and scouts from Bandari and Mombasa United for attending matches saying the competition continues to establish itself as a valuable platform for identifying players capable of competing at the highest domestic levels.

“We are asking bigger clubs like Bandari and Mombasa United to take advantage of this tournament and scout players to enrich their squads because we have more than enough talent here to play in the Premier League,” he added.

Likoni United coach Wycliffe Randa acknowledged the challenge posed by the tournament with his side making their debut appearance.

They now head into a crucial final group match against Sango FC knowing only victory will keep their hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive.

Juventus FC coach Peter Mayoyo, meanwhile, applauded the tournament’s role in nurturing young talent as his side targets top spot in the group with a decisive win as Sango Sportiff secured all three points in a match played without any disciplinary draw in their final fixture.

“The competition is very tight. We will train hard so that we can top the pool,” he said.

The coach urged coastal clubs to prioritise local recruitment and strengthen youth development structures.

“I have spotted good players, and there is need for coaches here at the Coast to start scouting home-grown players.We also need more professional coaches in schools who understand the game and can identify school talent early,” he said.

John Galana’s 30th-minute strike proved decisive as Sango Sportiff secured all three points in a match played without any disciplinary incidents.

Benson Kenyanjui was named Player of the Match for an impressive all-round performance.

Juventus looked set for victory after Enoch Lameyian fired them ahead in the 71st minute from Gregory Agesa’s assist, but Sammy Omile rescued a valuable point for Likoni United three minutes from time after being set up by James Wekesa.

The contest ended dramatically with Gregory Agesa cautioned in stoppage time for delaying the restart before Shafi Ayub was sent off in the 90th minute for serious foul play. Goalscorer Lameyian was named Player of the Match.

Tournament organizers say with the group stage nearing its conclusion, the race for knockout places intensifies, while scouts continue to monitor a new generation of coastal talent hoping to earn opportunities at the professional level.