Mombasa is set to host a rare football spectacle this week as the ODM@20 Football Tournament brings together four of Kenya’s top-tier clubs for a two-day showdown at the Mbaraki Sports Grounds. AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, Shabana FC, and Bandari FC will compete for glory in the first-ever top-flight tournament organized by a political party.
With the league on pause for the FIFA international week, all eyes shift to Mbaraki, where the four sides will lock horns in a special tournament that promises high-level competition and a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
The tournament kicks off on Thursday, October 9, and concludes on Friday, October 10, with matches lined up across both days. The opening clash at 2:00 PM will see hosts Bandari FC square off against AFC Leopards, setting the tone for what promises to be an entertaining series. At 4:00 PM, Kisii Based side Shabana FC will test their mettle against Kpl record holders Gor Mahia in a match expected to draw passionate support from both sets of fans.
On Friday, the two losing sides from Thursday’s fixtures will face off in a third-place playoff at 12:00 PM. The final will follow at 2:00 PM, pitting Thursday’s winners against each other for the top prize and bragging rights.
The eventual champions will also take part in a special exhibition match against Chungwa FC, a team composed of ODM party players and Members of Parliament representing Bunge FC, adding a celebratory twist to the football fiesta.
The tournament comes with enticing prize money:
Winner: Ksh. 1 million
Second Place: Ksh. 750,000
Third Place: Ksh. 500,000
Fourth Place: Ksh. 250,000
Confirming the tournament, ODM’s Director of Communications, Philip Etale, described the event as a historic first for political involvement in elite football. “All roads lead to Mombasa this weekend for the first-ever football tournament to be organized by a political party involving teams playing in the country’s top-flight league,” he stated.
The draw for the tournament was conducted last week in Nairobi, and preparations have since gathered momentum. Nominated MP and tournament coordinator Irene Mayaka confirmed that all logistical plans have been finalized, with teams and club officials fully committed to participation.
“We’ve had several engagements with the clubs and all stakeholders. It’s all systems go,” she said.
The participating clubs are also welcoming the event. AFC Leopards’ Secretary General Isaac Mulindi said the tournament provides a timely breather ahead of their return to league action. “This is an ideal opportunity for our players to step out of Nairobi, reset, and gear up for our next league clash, ironically, against Bandari,” he noted.
Gor Mahia’s Secretary General Nicanor Arum expressed readiness despite missing key players. “We’re going for the title. Our boys are prepared and hungry to lift this trophy,” he affirmed.
However, Gor Mahia will be without six key players, including goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, defenders Mike Kibwage and Sylvester Owino, and midfielders Austin Odhiambo, Alpha Onyango, and Ben Stanley Omondi, all of whom are on national duty for Kenya’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi (October 9 in Bujumbura) and Ivory Coast (October 14 in Abidjan).
Shabana FC’s Secretary General Dr. Elizaphan Karema sounded confident ahead of their opening tie. “Our objective is clear, go to Mombasa and come back with the trophy,” he said.
Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir emphasized the city’s readiness to host the tournament, calling on local fans to show up in large numbers. “Preparations are complete. This is more than football,it’s a celebration of unity, sport, and our party’s 20-year journey,” he remarked.
ODM has facilitated transport and accommodation for all four teams, who are expected to arrive in Mombasa this evening ahead of Thursday’s kickoff.
