Kipapa Calls For Unity as Bandari FC and Mombasa United prepare to Fly Coast's Flag in KPL

Dola Group of Companies Sports Director Hassan Kipapa has welcomed the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) ruling that paves the way for Mombasa United to compete in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) this season.

Kipapa said the club’s promotion is a major boost for football in the Coast region and aligns with Dola Group’s long-term vision of seeing more coastal teams compete at the highest level of Kenyan football.

“We are very happy after hearing that the SDT has ruled on the case and that the judgment means Mombasa United get a promotion to the Premier League. Through our platforms, including the Dola Super Cup and Sisi Ni Dola Cup, our aim has always been to ensure that more than one or two teams from the Coast can play in the KPL. We are happy that now we have two teams, and we shall support them accordingly within our ability,” said Kipapa.

With Bandari FC and Mombasa United now set to represent the Coast in the top flight, Kipapa believes the focus should shift towards ensuring both clubs remain competitive while creating a pathway for even more coastal teams to reach the KPL.

“We need to put in more strategies to ensure these two teams remain at the top and fight to increase the number. It should not be that the Coast region has only one team because then we cannot provide enough competition. I believe the Coast has enough talent to have even four teams in the KPL.”

Kipapa said Dola Group’s football projects are designed to provide young players with platforms where they can showcase their abilities and attract the attention of professional clubs.

“What Dola is doing now is giving these talents a platform. We are sure that in two to three years, with the projects we have, we shall have more than two teams in the KPL.”

On Mombasa United’s recruitment strategy, Kipapa believes the club should strike a balance between experienced players and local talent rather than relying entirely on either group.

“I cannot dictate to Mombasa United, but I think it would be better if they bring in experienced players and mix them with local talent so that we can perform well. We cannot fail to have four or five of our young players at teams like Bandari and Mombasa United.”

He also urged Mombasa United’s technical and management teams to use the current transfer window to scout talent from local competitions, including tournaments organised in the Coast region.

“Our job as Dola is to provide tournaments. Now that the window is open, they should look at the talents that can help them and use them. We are giving these leaders an opportunity to come and see more talent from the Coast. We believe in that.”

Kipapa further stressed that Mombasa United’s immediate priority should be securing their place in the KPL, while praising the club for appointing an experienced coach who has previously worked with major clubs.

“Discipline is key, and I congratulate them because they went for an experienced coach who has coached big clubs like Yanga and Azam. I see the positive side of that. I believe their first target is to survive. Let us wait for about five matches, then we can know the way forward. But I believe, with the selection they have made, they will give Premier League teams a good challenge.”

Beyond Mombasa United, Kipapa called for unity among football stakeholders and urged supporters to back both coastal representatives.

“We need to be united. It does not matter how many players a team has from the Coast; this is still our team. It is not only about Mombasa United but about everything. We should motivate our young players to work harder and avoid giving them too much praise that can affect them.”

He also called on fans to turn out in large numbers to support both Bandari FC and Mombasa United as they embark on the new KPL season.

“Finally, I urge the fans to come out and support their teams - Bandari FC and Mombasa United.”