Mombasa football stakeholders breathe fresh hope amid push to revive stalled stadium

 Football Football stakeholders in Mombasa County have lauded the national government’s intervention to revive the long-stalled construction of the Mombasa Municipal Stadium, a project that had been dormant for over 15 years and widely blamed for slowing football development in the region.

Last week, the government, through the Ministry of Defence, confirmed that Sh 1 billion has already been set aside for the reconstruction of the iconic stadium, with works expected to be completed by December this year. The revamped facility will be built to FIFA standards with a seating capacity of 15,000.

Speaking on behalf of football stakeholders, FKF Mombasa County chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla said the prolonged absence of the stadium had negatively affected the youth, contributing to rising insecurity.

“When this stadium was up and running, there were no cases of insecurity because we always had a dream to play at the stadium, but after its closure we have seen cases of insecurity among youths due to lack of standard infrastructure,” said Alamin.

He further praised the Head of State for restoring hope to football lovers at the Coast.

“We want to salute the President for bringing back the iconic stadium, which was the first stadium in Kenya,” he added.

The sentiments were echoed by veteran referee Barasa Awadh and youth leader Ali Kubo, who believe the stadium’s completion will open doors for young talents and increase Mombasa’s representation in the national team.

Ali Kubo noted that the region has struggled with drug and substance abuse but said the stadium presents a fresh start.

“We have been affected by drug and substance abuse but now we have a new beginning, and through this stadium I know our youth will be focused on nurturing talents and ending insecurity cases,” said Kubo.

Former referee Barasa Awadh expressed optimism that the Coast region will reclaim its former football glory.

Currently, Mbaraki Sports Ground remains the only venue capable of hosting Kenya Premier League (KPL) matches in Mombasa County and is used by Bandari FC. However, stakeholders believe the completion of the Municipal Stadium will expand football activities and allow the national team to return to the Coast region.

Stakeholder Abdalla Ibrahim Amir lamented the region’s lack of representation in the national team but expressed hope for change.

The Ministry of Defence will oversee the construction works, with stakeholders confident that the completion of the stadium will mark a new chapter for football development, youth empowerment, and sports tourism in the Coast region.