Businessman Suleiman Shahbal has insisted that he will continue supporting Mombasa United, dismissing claims that he has withdrawn his sponsorship following the club’s promotion to the FKF Premier League.
Shahbal reaffirmed his commitment to the club amid reports that Mombasa United Chief Executive Officer Nick Arunga had confirmed he was no longer the team’s lead sponsor, citing disagreements over the financial requirements for competing in the top flight.
“We are confirming today that we are still sponsoring Mombasa United,” Shahbal said.
“I am sponsoring Mombasa United to the best of my abilities, and I will continue supporting Mombasa United.”
Shahbal also urged politicians to keep politics out of football, warning that political divisions could undermine the unity the club has built among Mombasa residents.
“Keep politics out of sports,” he said.
“Those who want to bring politics into matters like these should be ashamed of themselves.”
He emphasized that the club represents the entire Mombasa community and should not be associated with an individual or political camp.
“Mombasa United belongs to the people of Mombasa. It is not Shahbana United,” he said.
Shahbal further appealed to the county government to support the club as it prepares for the demands of top-flight football. He also revealed that he had approached President William Ruto over a request for a bus to help the team with its transport needs.
He maintained that investment in football should go beyond the senior team, calling for more support for grassroots talent development and the establishment of a Mombasa City team to create additional opportunities for local players.
The sponsorship dispute comes as Mombasa United explores alternative corporate partnerships ahead of the new FKF Premier League season. While Shahbal says he intends to continue supporting the club, questions remain over whether he will retain the position of official lead sponsor.
He called on Mombasa residents to rally behind the team and put the interests of local football first.
“Keep politics out of sports. Let us unite as the people of Mombasa.”
