Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has lauded the coastal county of Kwale for the revival of beach soccer.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed said he was impressed by the way Kwale was trying to revive and grow beach soccer and urged the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu to follow suit.
He was speaking when he attended a beach soccer tournament in Diani beach, Msambweni sub county, where 16 male and eight female teams participated.
The beach event was organized by the FKF and Kwale county and sponsored by Kwale based Kentaste company, East Africa’s leading producer of coconut products.
In the thrilling finals, Diani Stars defeated Barbados FC after a pulsating 5-2 victory in the men’s category, while Mwanambeyu edged Diani Queens 4-3 after an emphatic triumph with the beach soccer finals drawing huge crowds.
Mohammed was accompanied by Msambweni MP Feisal Bader and Kwale County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Social Services and Talent Management Francisca Kilonzo.
He said the federation remains committed to developing beach soccer in the coastal region by working with partners and stakeholders to create competitive leagues and sustainable growth for the unique sport.
The FKF president said beach soccer continues to gain traction worldwide as a vibrant sport with immense potential for youth development, tourism promotion and community cohesion.
“The talent and energy on display here shows just how bright the future of beach soccer is in Kwale county in particular and the coastal region at large,” he said.
Mohammed said with continued investment, unwavering commitment, private sector support, and proper management, beach soccer in Kenya will only keep growing stronger.
He pledged comprehensive support to ensure that beach soccer receives equitable attention alongside other national sporting activities.
On his part, Bader said the tournament was to give opportunities to young players to get interested in beach soccer played recreationally for years.
The MP welcomed efforts to revive and grow beach soccer, noting that it would strengthen local competitions, develop players, and ultimately compete at a higher level.
“We are committed to nurturing this talent, creating more platforms for our youth, and ensuring our shores become the premier destination for this exciting sport,” he said.
In her remarks, Kilonzo assured participants of the county government’s commitment to working closely with both private stakeholders and the national government to raise soccer standards in Kwale.
The Sports executive said the developed government is committed to developing sports infrastructure including beach soccer.
She emphasized that supporting sports through suitable infrastructure will establish Kwale as a potential sporting powerhouse.
Kilonzo said the county government under the leadership of Governor Fatuma Achani is committed to work closely with all the stakeholders in a bid to raise soccer standards in Kwale.
“The devolved unit will establish beach soccer arenas along the coastline,” she said, adding that with the right investment, Kwale could emerge as a formidable force on the beach soccer stage in the coastal region.
The executive said Kwale’s beach soccer is climbing to new levels and called for more organizations to rally behind the sport.
by Hussein Abdullahi
