The seventh edition of the Rashid Abdallah Super Cup has officially been launched, with organizers promising a bigger tournament aimed at exposing young football talent across the Coast region and beyond.
Speaking in Kwale during the draw for the competition, tournament founder and media personality Rashid Abdallah said this year’s competition will kick off on July 11, with the final scheduled for December 20 at Kwale Stadium.
He expressed optimism that the seventh edition would be special, noting that the number of participating teams had risen from 32 in the previous edition to 44 teams this year.
For the first time, teams from Tana River county will take part, joining sides from Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi in a move aimed at strengthening regional unity through football.
“We want a player from Lamu to know a player from Kwale, a player from Tana River to know one from Mombasa. That is how we expose these talents,” said Abdallah.
He explained that the tournament will only feature players aged below 25, saying the age bracket offers the best opportunity for scouts and clubs looking to invest in grassroots football.
“From 23 to 25 is the right age. It is the prime age for players to be spotted and for clubs to invest in them,” he said.
Abdallah added that strict measures would be put in place to curb age cheating and warned that teams found forging documents would face disqualification and possible legal consequences.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Mombasa chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdallah hailed the tournament for its contribution to grassroots football, saying several players who featured in previous editions have progressed to top clubs in the country.
“This is the seventh edition of Rashid Abdallah Super Cup and I want to congratulate him because he has done something that is now being emulated by other counties across Kenya. The tournament has nurtured many young players and added value to football,” he said.
Alamin noted that some former participants are currently playing for Bandari FC, Ulinzi Stars and other top clubs, demonstrating the impact the competition has had on talent development.
FKF Kwale chairman Mwakoja Hamisi described the tournament as a valuable asset to the community, saying it has helped amateur clubs understand proper football structures and improved standards among referees.
“It has helped our amateur clubs understand football regulations and preparation. It has also given opportunities to our referees to officiate high-intensity matches, which has been a good test for them,” he said.
Meanwhile , Rashid Abdallah has appealed to companies and individuals to support the competition through corporate social responsibility initiatives by providing medical services, ambulances, water and first aid equipment rather than cash donations.
“Rashid Abdallah started this, but let us carry it together as a community,” he said.
