High hopes are riding on the youth of the Coast region as football scouts pitch tent at the Sisi Ni Dola Cup, a grassroots football tournament that officially kicked off in Mombasa.

This year’s edition has attracted 20 teams, reigniting the spirit of grassroots football with the goal of nurturing local talent, creating opportunities for employment, and combating crime through sport.

Alamin Ahmed, Chairman of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in Mombasa County, expressed confidence that the tournament will help uncover new homegrown talent and provide youth with a platform to shine.

"We want to bring youth on board to play football and showcase their talents here in Mombasa,” said Alamin, while commending Dola Group of Companies for their unwavering support of grassroots football through the Sisi Ni Dola initiative.

According to Hassan Ibrahim Kipapa, Sports Manager at Dola Group, this year’s tournament is centered on Mombasa, with select teams from Kwale and Kilifi Counties invited to compete for the grand prize of Ksh 500,000.

Kilifi County is represented by Mtwapa United, while Kwale County is banking on two teams  Denmark FC and Kwale United  to bring the trophy home.

Sports stakeholders present called for proper player mapping to help identify talent for the national team and local professional leagues.

They also encouraged young players to pursue education alongside football to ensure long-term success beyond the pitch.

The opening fixtures were held at Mombasa Sports Club, where Congo Boys secured a 2-1 win over Nyundo FC, while Fetuwe United suffered a 0-1 defeat to Fayaz FC.

On Sunday, Kisauni Combine was narrowly beaten 0-1 by Juve Combine. The winning goal came in the 74th minute, scored by Abdalla Chombo following an assist from Muadh Amir.

Said Hamisi was crowned Player of the Match and awarded a gift hamper from Dola Group of Companies, which included Dola maize flour and Dola cooking oil, in recognition of his outstanding performance.