Selebwa chasing history as Mombasa United scent KPL promotion

Selebwa’s expert hand has steered Mombasa United to the top of the National Super League (NSL), and he is bidding to become the first coach in Kenya to guide three different community clubs to the top flight.

Having already achieved promotion with AFC Leopards in 2009 and Shabana FC in 2014, the seasoned tactician believes the moment has come for the Coast-based side to rise.

“I am looking forward, before I hang my boots as a coach, to be the first coach to give promotion to three community clubs to KPL. In 2009 I brought AFC back to KPL and in 2014 it was Shabana FC and now we are really looking forward to ensure that the Coast doesn’t have only one team in KPL — but to add another from Bandari and you see how things are unfolding at Mombasa United.”

Mombasa United currently sit at the summit of the second tier league on 46 points, three ahead of Migori Youth, while MOFA FC remain eight points behind the leaders in third place.

But Selebwa insists the mission goes beyond numbers — it’s about belief, unity, and delivering for the city.

“If there is a year Mombasa must have another team in KPL, it is this year. I urge all the fans to support Mombasa United president Anza Fresh because you know spending all his finance to help the team reach where it is, it’s not easy. Rally behind the team and we promise we deliver the NSL championship to you.”

Leading from the front is the club’s top scorer, Nehemiah Onchiri, who previously played a key role in Shabana’s promotion campaign. For the striker, joining United was part of a comeback story — not a step down.

“For me coming to Mombasa United was not a demotion but was trying to recover from an injury that kept me away from active football so it was a good change and the same way I helped Shabana I am taking United to KPL. We call upon our fans to keep on pushing us.”

Speaking during the club’s Grand Iftar, president Abdilrahman Hussein “Anza Fresh” underlined the patience and strategy behind the club’s surge.

“We thank God, so far so good. In back of our minds we see the league as a marathon — we can see the finish line but we are taking it game after game.”

He also highlighted the club’s renewed push to grow its fanbase and community presence.

“We have changed our ways, and we are now attracting more fans, and it was evident during our last home match against MOFA. We are working on different strategies, starting with fan jerseys, and we are now going to do fan activations in each ward to try and reach. Premier League is calling, and Mombasa United will pick the call.”

The promotion dreams received a significant lift when Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho announced that President William Ruto will donate a Ksh 24 million team bus to ease the club’s logistical challenges.

“I approached the President and told him that Mombasa United had one request. The team has been struggling with logistics and movement and was seeking support for a bus and the President immediately directed that the bus be delivered to them. I will personally hand it over together with Suleiman Shahbal, the team’s Chairman.”