NSL: Rio Ferdinand sends powerful message to Mombasa United in promotion race
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 21.02.26. | 19:52
After the match, the former Manchester United defender sent a short video clip to club chairman Abdirahman Hussein, carrying a strong message to the players
Mombasa United on Friday, 20 February, came from a goal down in the second half to seal a 2-1 victory over hosts Darajani Gogo at the Marist University Grounds.
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Second-half brilliance from Samuel Atta and Fidel Mabea secured the club’s first-ever run of five consecutive wins in the National Super League (NSL), strengthening their push for promotion.
Unbeknownst to the players during the intense battle on the turf, six-time Premier League champion and UEFA Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand was following the proceedings.
After the match, the former Manchester United defender sent a short video clip to club chairman Abdirahman Hussein, carrying a strong message to the players.
“Alamin and Anza Fresh, it’s Rio. I hope you are well, you guys (Mombasa United). I heard you pulled up a great result, lots of hard work, lots of desire, dedication,” said the former Leeds United centre-back.
In the clip, the former Queens Park Rangers defender urged the players to maintain the same level of preparation regardless of the opponent.
“You must continue, man. How you apply yourself for the big games should be the same as for the little things; that’s how you win big trophies, man.
So good luck guys, keep doing your thing, and hopefully one day I’ll come out and see you. Take care,” he concluded.
Mombasa CEO Nick Arunga told Mozzart Sport that there is no formal relationship or pending deal between Ferdinand and the club.
He explained that the former England international knows the team through close ties with the club president.
“He spoke to the management, not the players. He spoke to our president, Anza Fresh. Rio Ferdinand is friends with our president and close relatives.
He just sent out a shout-out to the team. We are also hopeful that if he travels to Kenya, he will visit the team and see what we are doing,” said Arunga.
United are currently in their second season in the second tier following a merger with Mombasa Elite at the end of the 2023/2024 campaign.
Under the tutelage of veteran coach Gilbert Selebwa, the side has firmly entered the promotion race and currently tops the 20-team table with 43 points.
They have already surpassed last season’s tally of 34 points, which saw them require a final-day win to avoid relegation to the third tier.
The club has now set a new record of five straight wins in the second division.
The impressive run began with a 2-0 victory over Kibera United, followed by a 3-1 triumph against Vihiga United, a 1-0 win over Kabati Youth, a dominant 4-0 result against Kisumu All Stars, and the latest 2-1 comeback against Darajani Gogo.