Mombasa United assistant captain Jamal Rodgers says the club is ready for the biggest test of their promotion campaign when they face Kariobangi Sharks in the first leg of the SportPesa League promotion/relegation playoff on Thursday.
The two sides will meet at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa with kick-off scheduled for 2pm EAT as they battle for the final place in the 2026/27 SportPesa League.
Mombasa United who finished third in the National Super League last season will be hoping to make the most of home advantage before travelling to Nairobi for the return leg on October 6.
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For the former Nairobi United man , the playoff represents more than just another competitive fixture. The midfielder believes helping Mombasa United secure promotion to the top flight would be a major milestone for the club and something that could be remembered for years to come.
The assistant captain says the team has put the issues surrounding the promotion dispute behind them and is now focused on what they can control on the pitch.
“The preparations have been okay. We are prepared for the game, we are so ready, and we are just waiting for the time. It would be a legacy to help the club be promoted to the Premier League. It will be a great achievement,” Rodgers said.
Despite the uncertainty that surrounded the promotion issue for several weeks, Rodgers insists they cannot afford to be distracted by what happened off the pitch.
“In as much as there have been issues, the ball is on our court. We just have to do our part,” he added.
Their opponents, Kariobangi Sharks, come into the playoff with considerable experience of top-flight football and are expected to rely on their possession-based approach. Rodgers says Mombasa United have studied Sharks and are prepared to deal with their style.
“We know that they are a ball-possessing team, so we are prepared for that, and also we are prepared to counter their play,” he said.
The playoff also carries a personal significance for Rodgers, who previously featured for Nairobi United during their own push for promotion to the top flight.
Having experienced what it takes to help a club move up the football pyramid, Rodgers sees the Mombasa United assignment as another opportunity to achieve the same feat.
“For me as Jamal, I’ve been with Nairobi United previously and I understand what it means to take a team to another step. So to me, it will be another addition to return to the Premier League,” he said.
Mombasa United head coach Abdi Moalin is equally confident in the team’s preparations. The coach says the squad has had enough time to build fitness and prepare tactically, having gone through seven weeks of pre-season.
With the players now eager to test themselves in a competitive fixture, Moalin believes the team is physically ready for the challenge.
“We’ve had a good seven weeks of pre-season. The guys are eager to play a competitive game. They are excited and physically we are in a good place,” Moalin said.
The coach, however, revealed that a few players are carrying minor knocks, although the majority of the squad is available for selection.
“We only have a few players who have knocks and everyone else is ready for the game. We are excited about it,” he added.
Moalin also has plenty of respect for Kariobangi Sharks and their footballing identity. Rather than focusing only on their status as a top-flight side, the Mombasa United coach says he appreciates the way Sharks approach their matches.
“It’s a good team. Kariobangi Sharks are a very good team. They have a good style of play. I like their style of play and identity on the pitch, so it’s going to be an exciting game,” Moalin said.
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the playoff, Mombasa United finally have the opportunity to settle the matter on the pitch. Rodgers and his teammates will now look to turn their preparations into a result when they take on Sharks in front of their home fans .
With the aggregate winner set to claim the final SportPesa League slot, Mombasa United know that every moment across the two legs will matter. For Rodgers, the target is simple play their part and give the club a chance to create a new chapter in its history.