Player analytics the way to go for local footballers, says Mulee

Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee has rallied Kenyan footballers to take charge of their careers by recording and compiling video highlights of their performances to enhance their chances of attracting attention from international clubs.

Speaking during the official draw for the 6th edition of the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup, set to kick off on July 5, Mulee stressed the importance of analytics when trying to secure opportunities abroad.

"You can't convince a club with just words—you need evidence," Mulee argued.

"When Supersport used to cover Kenyan football, many of our players were picked up by international clubs because there was footage to show their abilities."

This year, the grassroots tournament reaches a new milestone, featuring 32 teams—16 from Kwale County and 16 from Mombasa County.

Its preliminary stage will feature the intercountry phase before progressing to the knockouts in the round of 16.

Mulee, who has pledged to work closely with the organizers, highlighted the Coast region’s rich talent pool, particularly in midfielders and goalkeepers.

“We’ll work with Rashid Abdalla during this edition to help identify and promote the top talents. The Coast has some of the country’s best players, and they deserve a platform to shine,” he added.

The Rashid Abdalla Super Cup, founded by renowned TV personality Rashid Abdalla, is a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing young talent and at the same time helping keep the youth away from drugs and crime.

Rashid emphasized that the tournament will remain focused on grassroots development and will bar National Super League (NSL) and Kenyan Premier League (KPL) players.

“This is a chance for village-level players to show what they’ve got. Including NSL and KPL players would overshadow emerging talent,” Rashid noted.

“Instead, we invite coaches from those leagues to scout the best from here.”

He also warned that discipline will be strictly enforced throughout the tournament.

“We won’t tolerate indiscipline. If one player misbehaves, their team risks disqualification. Discipline is key to attracting serious sponsors,” he added.

Veteran coach and former national team player Anthony “Modo” Kimani also lauded the tournament’s impact, highlighting how it has helped players and artists gain exposure.

“From the first edition to now, we’ve seen tremendous growth—players getting signed by top clubs, artists showcasing their work, and entire communities benefiting,” Kimani remarked.

Group Stage Draws

Group A: Denmark FC, Kudutsi FC, Green Boys, Mshalr FC

Group B: Dumna FC, Generation United FC, Kinango Raptors FC, Nasty Milan FC

Group C: Lazium United, Fafada FC, Similani FC, Makamini Combined

Group D: Azam FC, Viva Manyota FC, Blue Rangers FC, Vanga United

Mombasa County

Group A: Congo Boyz, Shanzu United, Kishada Soccer, Wananyuki FC

Group B: Bandari Youth, Shimanzi FC, Fayas Bakers, Vibwanga FC

Group C: Mombasa All Stars, Tononoka Combine, Ziwani FC, Change Youth Academy

Group D: Paranja Biro, Mvita Youngstersx, Kiembeini Rebels, Sparki Youth

The 6th Rashid Abdalla Super Cup promises to be a breeding ground for the next generation of Kenyan football stars, with community support and national interest steadily growing.