Coastal clubs gear up for FKF Division One battle

With the FKF Division One League returning this weekend, the heat is on as coastal sides Bandari Youth and Congo Boyz gear up for a defining season, each with a clear mission in mind.

Bandari Youth, the rising stars of Mombasa, have made key reinforcements ahead of their debut season in the league. The club unveiled three new signings: Ateik Zubeir (from Mombasa United), Ramadhan “Shaw” Mohammed (from Kenya Navy), and Ali Ghalib (formerly of Mombasa Stars).

All bring valuable experience from higher leagues and are expected to gel quickly under the leadership of head coach Alex Shikanga.

“These are quality players. We just need to give them time to integrate. This is a new challenge for us in Division One, and our plan is to use the first five matches to gauge the competition before setting clear targets,” said Coach Shikanga during a training session at Mbaraki.

Just across town, Congo Boyz are buzzing with renewed optimism. After narrowly missing promotion to the NSL last season, head coach Davies Ikocheli is determined not to repeat the same mistakes.

“We’ve taken a new approach—one game at a time. Our ultimate goal is clear: promotion to the NSL. The pre-season has been solid with competitive action in tournaments like the Sisi Ni Dola Cup and the Rashid Abdallah Super Cup. We’ve identified our weak points, and now it’s all about execution,” Ikocheli emphasized.

Both teams face tough opening fixtures. Congo Boyz will clash with Kahawa United at the iconic Serani Grounds, while Bandari Youth square off against Kangemi All Stars in what promises to be a high-octane Sunday showdown.

FKF DIVISION ONE ZONE A – WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday, October 25th

Dimba Patriots vs Gituru – Wolves Den, Kajiado
Simba Apparel vs Kapa – Changamwe Estate, Mombasa
Taita Estate vs Spitfire – Alexander Sports Complex, Wundanyi
Green Berets vs Strathmore University – PSTC Grounds, Ruiru

Sunday, October 26th

AL Azizia vs Zetech Titans – Kinoru Stadium, Meru
Congo Boyz vs Kahawa United – Serani, Mombasa
Kibra United vs SS Assad – Hope Center, Kawangware
Bumbani Stars vs Royal Fresh – Nyumba Sita, Kwale

FKF DIVISION ONE ZONE B

Saturday, October 25th

Kibra Soccer vs Ruiru Hot Stars – MCC Ground, Ngong Road
Kariobangi Legends vs Dunmen Orange – Kariobangi North Primary
Dandora Youth vs Githunguri Seniors – Dandora Stadium
Kenya Navy vs Sango Sportiff – NYS Stadium, Mtongwe

Sunday, October 26th