Mombasa United head coach Abdulhamid Moallin has called on the club's supporters to come out in large numbers and show their team's spirit when they face Kariobangi Sharks in the first leg of their promotion-relegation play-off at Mbaraki Stadium on Thursday. Moallin, a former coach of Tanzanian giants Yanga SC, expressed confidence that his squad has enjoyed adequate preparation for the high-stakes encounter. He radiated conviction that his side was primed to play in the Kenyan Premier League.
Moallin stated that his players can match their opponents, despite Sharks' wealth of experience in the top flight. “This game will be more emotional. We know they have KPL experience, but we also have experienced players, and we will be on the same level for this match. We have players who can play this kind of game,” Moallin said. The coach believes his own background in handling high-pressure matches will be vital as the coastal side seeks to secure a first-leg advantage on home soil.
Moallin's experience in handling high-pressure matches will be crucial for Mombasa United. “I have been involved in big games before—games where it is a must-win, games where there is a lot at stake—and I have the kind of players with whom we can approach the match positively,” he noted. While acknowledging the excitement and tension surrounding the fixture, Moallin stressed the importance of maintaining composure and focus.
Captain Hakimu Msami echoed his coach's sentiments, stating that the team is highly motivated following a successful pre-season and eager to deliver for their home supporters. “We had a great pre-season, and we are motivated towards the Sharks game,” Msami said. The two-legged play-off was agreed upon following mediation initiated by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed.
The mediation successfully ended months of legal disputes over promotion and relegation. Both clubs also agreed that newly registered players will be eligible to feature in the matches, clearing the path for a definitive contest. Msami revealed that the play-off announcement did not catch the squad off guard, as they had anticipated such a scenario.
“The play-off reports were not shocking to us since we had prepared enough for matches like this, so we are going for a win,” Msami affirmed. The captain also issued a rallying call to the club's fanbase, urging them to fill Mbaraki Stadium. “We urge our fans to turn up in large numbers and push us to get it done in the first leg,” Msami said.
The return leg is scheduled for October 6 in Nairobi. Mombasa United's fans have been urged to "bring their boots" and show their team's spirit. The team's management and players are confident of a positive outcome in the play-off matches against Kariobangi Sharks.
Key points
- Mombasa United coach Abdulhamid Moallin has urged fans to "bring their boots" as his team faces Kariobangi Sharks in a promotion-relegation play-off.
