The Rashid Abdallah Super Cup has continued its rapid growth, with the number of participating teams increasing from 32 to 44 as the seventh edition prepares to kick off on July 11.
Tournament founder Rashid Abdallah announced that the competition's final will be played on December 20 at Kwale Stadium and described the latest edition as one of the most competitive since its inception.
"The draw has been conducted successfully and every match will have its own excitement. From the first game, the level of competition will be very high," he said.
The expanded tournament has attracted teams from several counties including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and, for the first time, Tana River, reflecting its growing influence across the Coast region.
Abdallah said the long-term goal is to bring together players from all coastal counties, including Lamu, to create stronger links among communities and provide greater exposure for young footballers.
This year's competition has adopted an Under-25 format, with organizers saying the age limit will ensure players are within the prime age for recruitment by professional clubs and scouts.
"We are beginning from the grassroots because between 23 and 25 years is the right age for players to be spotted and for clubs to invest in them," Abdallah said.
He said organizers were working with government agencies and school records to ensure only eligible players participate and warned that any team found engaging in age fraud would be expelled from the competition.
Football Kenya Federation officials from Mombasa and Kwale praised the tournament for transforming grassroots football and providing a pathway for players to advance to the professional ranks.
FKF Mombasa chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdallah said former participants are currently playing for clubs such as Bandari FC and Ulinzi Stars.
Meanwhile, FKF Kwale chairman Mwakoja Hamisi said the tournament has enhanced discipline among amateur teams while also giving referees an opportunity to gain experience in highly competitive matches.
Beyond football, Abdallah called on businesses and members of the public to support the tournament through community partnerships by sponsoring teams or providing essential services such as ambulances, water and medical supplies.
He credited partners including Best Ten, Dreamline, Lulu ya Jamii and the Rashid Abdallah Foundation for supporting the competition over the years.
"The opportunities are many. We have created the platform, but players must combine hard work and discipline to secure their future," he said.
