Defending champions Fayaz FC have been hailed as a model of stability and player welfare after opening their title defence with a commanding 4-0 victory over Magongo FC in the opening match of the second edition of the Sisi Ni Dola Super Cup at Mombasa Sports Club.
Striker Joshua Oyoo starred with a hat-trick, scoring three goals to inspire Fayaz to a convincing win, while Abdalla Mwinyi added the fourth as the defending champions sent an early warning to their title rivals.
While the result highlighted Fayaz’s quality on the pitch, Mombasa County Chief Officer for Sports Juma Goshi Ali said the club’s continued success is built on continuity, teamwork and a unique employment model that has kept the squad together for years.
“They have stayed together for about five or six years. Most of the players are the same, while they continue recruiting young players into the system so they can grow together,” said Goshi.
He praised the defending champions for their impressive display, saying their quality was evident in every department of the game.
“I must congratulate Fayaz Football Club because they displayed football of a very high standard. Their passing, long balls, movement and ability to create scoring opportunities were outstanding. They showed great coordination and deserved the applause they received,” he said.
Goshi attributed the team’s consistency to the support offered by Fayaz Limited, noting that the company’s investment in its players has created a motivated and disciplined squad.
“I also congratulate Fayaz Company because all these players are employed by the company. They work during the day and later go for training. That has motivated them because they know they are playing for a company that provides them with a livelihood. They work even harder because they want to repay that trust,” he said.
He added that the club’s blend of experienced players and emerging talent has enabled it to remain competitive while giving young footballers an opportunity to develop in a structured environment.
Fayaz captain Ali Mzee credited the team’s unity for their dominant start, saying strong relationships within the squad have been the foundation of their success.
“There is nothing better than unity in a team. When we understand each other, play together and enjoy the game, everything falls into place,” he said.
The skipper said the reigning champions are determined to retain the title they won in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
“We are the champions from the first edition and we have come back to defend our title. We are treating every match like a final because we want to win every game and lift the trophy again,” he said.
Despite the defeat, Goshi commended Magongo FC for showing resilience after a nervous start, noting that the youthful side settled into the game as it progressed.
He also described the tournament as an important platform for identifying football talent, expressing confidence that between five and 10 players could earn opportunities with FKF Premier League clubs after the competition.
The second edition of the Sisi Ni Dola Super Cup has brought together 24 teams from across the Coast region. The winners will walk away with Sh.1 million, while the runners-up will receive Sh.500,000. The third and fourth-placed teams will earn Sh.250,000 and Sh.100,000 respectively.
Dola Group Sports Director Hassan Kipapa welcomed the successful start to the tournament, saying the turnout and quality of football had lived up to expectations.
“We thank everyone who turned up for the opening of the second edition. The response has been encouraging and the football has been exciting. Fayaz have shown they are ready to defend their title, but this is only the beginning. We wish all the teams the very best and look forward to an exciting tournament until the final,” said Kipapa.