Modern Coast Rangers Team Manager Ferdinand Ogot says poor performance and unpopularity among the fans at the Coast necessitated Mombasa Elite’s name change ahead of the new season.Elite had taken over Modern at the start of the 2021–2022 National Super League (NSL) campaign after acquiring a sponsor that came in with a new name.However, since the takeover was expected to last for three years and was reviewed after the conclusion of the stipulated period, Elite turned into a relegation side, fighting for survival in the previous two terms.##NAJAVA_MECA_8234423##Last season, Patrick Nyale’s coached entity avoided the chop on the final day of the league, finishing 17th on 37 points, four ahead of 18th-placed Kajiado.Despite co-hosting their matches at Serani Sports Club and Mbaraki Sports Clubs alongside FKF Premier League side Bandari and fellow NSL outfit Mombasa Stars, Elite’s matches appeared to be played in an empty stadium whenever they stepped on the green grass, highlighting the growing rift between the club and the locals.Ogot says, “Towards the end of the 2023/2024 season, we had to call an emergency meeting amongst ourselves since the decline of our club was continuing, so we decided to take over the team and keep our pride.”He adds, “At one point, they lost it. Good players were moving out and nothing was being done to replace them with high-caliber talents, which further signaled the slow death of our beloved team.”Alex Onchwari eyes first career title after sealing move to TuskerReflecting on the rift between the spectators and locals, the former Modern Coast Secretary General says, “When the team is not performing, eventually you will create enemies. Fans were used to good performances and not fighting relegation.”Ogot further laughed off the notion that they were strategically angling themselves to pass the mantle to another sponsor, maintaining the team would operate under their previous name (Modern Coast Rangers).”The plan is clear: to maintain the Modern Coast Rangers identity. If we get a sponsor, then we have a space on our shirts that they can occupy, but we will not lease or sell the team again.”Homeboyz turn to Manoah amidst coaching uncertaintyRangers are expected to be given the full mandate of running the team on Tuesday after presenting affidavits to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) last week. Then they will embark on an intense preseason schedule.
