Teams plot success at Rashid Abdalla Cup as trophy is unveiled

With only three days remaining before the semi-finals of the sixth edition of the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup, organisers have unveiled a world-class trophy in a colourful ceremony held at the Kwale Stadium in Kwale County.

Tournament officials revealed that the brand-new, Italian-crafted trophy will be presented during the grand finale on December 14 at Kwale Stadium.

Tournament patron Rashid Abdalla announced that the prestigious trophy will only be taken home by a team that manages to win the title three times.

“On final’s day, the trophy will be present, but teams are not supposed to take it home. There will be an alternative trophy for the winners. However, if you win the RAS Cup three times, you will earn the right to take the main trophy home,” Rashid explained.

He added that the concept was inspired by top European leagues, noting that it is meant to raise the level of competition.

“We have to dream big. We want to encourage competition with this approach, especially because defending champions often struggle the following season. This is a way of motivating teams to push harder,” he said.

Rashid further urged all semi-finalists to maintain discipline and uphold the tournament’s values.

“I urge all players to compete fairly, play for peace, and help foster cohesion in our community. Even if you lose but four of your players earn spots in bigger teams, that is still a victory. Our aim is to nurture disciplined players and transform soccer into a business opportunity for our youth.”

The tournament’s official sponsors for a second consecutive season are popular gaming firm, Shabiki.com.

“We are happy Shabiki.com are back with us for the second time, and I’m glad they will help us reach our target,” Rashid added.

This Friday, Bandari Youth from Mombasa will lock horns with Azzam United FC of Kwale County in the first semi-final. On Saturday, Nasty Milan FC take on Lazium FC in the second semi-final.

Bandari Youth head coach Alex Shikanga expressed confidence ahead of the showdown.

“We are fully focused on becoming the first team to win this new trophy, so we must beat Azzam on Friday. We respect them—they’re a strong side—but we’ll have a full squad and I’m confident of a win.”

Azzam United team manager Mbwana Hassan was equally optimistic.

“We’ve been training intensively for three weeks and we are prepared. We know our opponents are strong and play at a higher level, but we are motivated to beat them.”

The winners of the Rashid Abdalla Super Cup Season 6 will walk away with KSh 2.5 million, the runners-up will earn KSh 1.5 million, and the third-placed team will pocket KSh 750,000.