Mombasa United Football Club has received a major boost following renewed calls for investment in community football, with leaders pledging support to uplift the coastal club and nurture local talent.

Speaking during a fund drive and unveiling of the club’s new jerseys at an iftar dinner in Mombasa, AFC Leopards President Bonface Ambani challenged stakeholders to channel more resources into community-based clubs to raise football standards in the country.

“We must invest more in community clubs if we want to improve football standards in Kenya,” said Ambani. “Mombasa has a good club in Bandari FC, but it lacks a huge following and strong support because it is a parastatal club. Community clubs naturally attract passionate support from the grassroots, and that is what builds strong football institutions.”

The event was attended by Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal, who both pledged their commitment to supporting the club’s growth.

Joho announced that President William Ruto has offered to purchase a new bus for the team to ease its transport and logistics challenges.

“I approached the President and told him that Mombasa United have one request. They have been struggling with logistics and movement and are requesting you to support them with a bus,” Joho revealed. “The President immediately ordered for a bus to be delivered to them. I will personally deliver the bus together with Shahbal.”

The announcement was met with applause from attendees, with club officials terming it a game-changer for the team’s operations.

Shahbal, who is also the club’s patron, called on local residents to rally behind the team, emphasizing the abundance of untapped talent in the region.

“There are many talented young players in Mombasa who need support,” Shahbal said. “Let us as Mombasa residents own this club and be proud of it. Let it be known everywhere that there is a football club in Mombasa called Mombasa United.”

Leaders at the event expressed optimism that with stronger community backing, improved logistics, and sustained investment, Mombasa United could rise to become a formidable force in Kenyan football while serving as a platform for nurturing grassroots talent along the Coast.