Rashid Abdalla Super Cup 7th Edition Draw Conducted as 44 teams Learn their fate

Rashid Abdalla Super Cup 7th Edition Draw Conducted as 44 Teams Learn Their Fate

The draw for the 7th edition of the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup (RASC) was officially held on Tuesday, June 23, at the Kwale Cultural Centre, with 44 teams from across the Coast region discovering their opponents ahead of the much-anticipated tournament.

The teams were placed into 11 groups of four, setting the stage for what promises to be another highly competitive edition of the grassroots football tournament.

Speaking during the draw, the tournament’s Organising Secretary George Ojwaya confirmed that this year’s edition will adopt the FIFA World Cup format, with the knockout stages beginning at the Round of 32.

Under the new format, the top two teams from each of the 11 groups will earn automatic qualification to the Round of 32, while the remaining 10 spots will be filled by the best third-placed teams.

Ojwaya said the format was introduced to increase competitiveness and create more opportunities for teams to advance.

RASC founder Rashid Abdalla emphasized the tournament’s mission of identifying, nurturing, and exposing young football talent to bigger opportunities.

“Nothing gives me more joy than seeing young players get recognized and continue developing their talents through the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup. If they succeed and secure contracts with bigger clubs, they will be able to support their families, their communities, and their clubs. We owe them nothing  instead, they owe it to their communities to make the most of these opportunities,” said Rashid.

Abdalla also explained the reasoning behind maintaining the Under-25 age limit, saying it is aimed at increasing players’ chances of securing professional opportunities.

“We introduced the Under-25 rule because many players perform well during trials with Premier League clubs, but their age often works against them. Most clubs prefer younger players to align with their long-term objectives. Our goal is to give young talents an opportunity to pursue professional football and benefit from their abilities for a longer period.”

Defending champions Lazium FC, through their head coach Coach Babu Hija, expressed confidence in their readiness to defend the title while stressing the importance of discipline.

“Discipline remains the foundation of our team. We respect every opponent, but as defending champions, we are fully prepared and determined to defend our title,” said Babu Hija.

The draw event also attracted key football and government stakeholders, including FKF Kwale Branch Chairman Hamisi Mwakoja, who praised the tournament’s impact on football development in the region.

“The Rashid Abdalla Super Cup has played a major role in uplifting football in Kwale and the wider Coast region. Its impact was evident when Kwale hosted the FKF Cup final, with RASC being used as a benchmark for that achievement,” said Mwakoja.

Also present was FKF Mombasa Branch Chairman Al Amin Abdalla, who pledged his full support towards the growth of the competition.

“What Rashid Abdalla is doing for grassroots football is commendable, and we are committed to supporting, cooperating, and backing this initiative for the growth of football in the region,” he said.

Representing Kwale Governor was Kwale County Sports Officer , Hamisi Mwayoyo who confirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting sports development.

“The County Government of Kwale fully supports this tournament and remains readyto cooperate in promoting and developing sports among the youth,” he said.

The tournament will officially kick off on July 11, with defending champions Lazium FC opening their title defence against Culture FC.

All matches will be played within Kwale County across four venues: Kombani Ground, Mkokoni Primary, Denmak Ground, and Waa Primary.

With the draw now complete, focus shifts to the pitch as teams intensify preparations for what is expected to be another exciting chapter of one of the Coast region’s biggest grassroots football competitions.