After 14 days of waiting, the National Super League (NSL) finally kicks off this weekend, following a stakeholders’ meeting in Nairobi on Tuesday 17 September.Initially scheduled to start two weeks ago, the league’s opening was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.For clubs like Mombasa Stars, the delay came as a welcome reprieve. The team had only completed four weeks of pre-season training, but the two-week extension allowed them to reach six weeks, an ideal preparation period.##NAJAVA_MECA_8342654##Despite gaining extra pre-season time, the Stars face a daunting financial crisis that threatens their performance in the upcoming season.In previous years, the team received backing from a local businessmen. However, a fallout at the end of last season saw these sponsors shift their support to Mombasa United, leaving Mombasa Stars in financial disarray.“We don’t have a sponsor and rely on well-wishers for our participation in the league. This is unsustainable,” said team manager Kenneth Juma during the unveiling of 13 new players for the 2024/2025 season on Saturday.##NAJAVA_MECA_8342654##Juma expressed concern about retaining talent, as financial struggles prevent the club from offering meaningful incentives to their players.“We understand our players have personal needs and responsibilities. Some have even walked long distances just to attend training, and I truly appreciate their dedication,” Juma added.One example of a standout player affected by these challenges is Joel Kihara, who was the league’s second-highest scorer last season despite the team’s financial woes.He has since been signed by Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Murang’a Seal.To fill the gap left by Kihara’s departure, Mombasa Stars signed forwards Sam Nathan from Kisumu Hotstars and Chirangu Masudi from Mombasa All Stars.“We believe these two will help us achieve our goal of finishing in the top three this season,” Juma said.All 36 National Super League players who have moved to FKF Premier LeagueOther new recruits include midfielder Jacob Muchiri (unattached), Rodgers Okumu (Simba Apparel), Fahim Omar (Congo Boys), Ali Omeyar (Kishada), and Abdulrahman Ahmed (Mombasa All Stars).In a bid to strengthen their defense, Mombasa Stars have added Eddie Basil and Timothy Omondi from Shimanzi FC, Hawkins Ademba from SS Assad, Sammy Baya from Mombasa All Stars, Michael Gabriel from Samwest Blackboots, and goalkeeper Iddi Rashid from Congo Boys.Basil, a versatile defensive midfielder who can also play in central defense, expressed his excitement about joining the team.“My dream was to play for Mombasa Stars. I’ll do everything I can to tighten the defense and minimize goals conceded. Strikers win matches, but defenders win titles,” he said.The 24-year-old is known for his aerial strength and game-reading ability, which have helped him score crucial goals for his previous clubs, Shimanzi and TUM Dynamos.’It is over’- Gor Mahia fans react to heavy CAF Champions League defeat to Al AhlyMost of the new signings are from lower-league clubs, indicating the team’s strategy of developing talent from the grassroots.Juma’s vision for the upcoming season is clear. “Our strategy is to win at least 28 matches, which is three-quarters of the league games. Despite the challenges we face, my players are motivated and ready to compete,” he said.
