By Shaban Omar
Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Joho has donated KSh500,000 to Kwale’s renowned football club, Sport Society of Assad (SS Assad) as part of the efforts to boost grassroots football.
The financial lifeline is expected to help the team recover from a recent funding crisis that had severely affected its operations.
SS Assad, which is based in Ukunda, South Coast has been struggling to stay afloat following the withdrawal of several key sponsors, including Base Titanium.
The Australian-owned mining firm had been the club’s primary sponsor but halted funding after ceasing its mining operations in the region earlier this year.
The funding drought saw the team miss crucial fixtures in the National Super League (NSL), Kenya’s second-tier football competition.
With no budget for travel, accommodation, and match preparations, the club’s performance and morale were on a sharp decline.
Speaking at Ukunda Showground on behalf of CS Joho, Ali Masemo said the donation is part of the government’s broader commitment to uplifting local sports talent.
“This is just the beginning. The CS has a lot in the pipeline to support grassroots football not just in Kwale but across the country,” he said.
Masemo appealed to potential sponsors to back the team and extend their support to other promising ventures.
He said football is more than just physical fitness and that it creates jobs, promotes discipline, and offers youth a dignified way of earning a living.
Masemo said that investing in sports is particularly critical in Coastal Counties like Kwale, where youth vulnerability to crime and gang recruitment remains high.
He added that supporting young people who choose football over crime is not just a sports issue but also a social investment.
The SS Assad club has long been a symbol of hope and pride in the region, nurturing young talent and giving youth an alternative to crime and drug abuse.
One of the Club’s officials Saidi Majani welcomed the donation, saying it comes at a critical time when the team was on the verge of pulling out of the league.
He said they will use the money for transport and accommodation.
SS Assad is looking forward to playing with Mombasa Stars, Nairobi United and Bomet Administration Police in the coming days.
The club is also eyeing promotion to the Kenya Premier League, a dream that now seems a little closer thanks to Joho’s support.
Majani noted that in the past, the team was forced to forfeit matches due to a lack of funds for travel.
He urged more leaders and private stakeholders to emulate the CS and support sports development.
“This contribution is timely. It will help us clear some of the debts, resume training and match travel, and boost the players’ motivation,” he said.
According to Majani, SS Assad hopes to resume its competitive edge and finish the NSL season on a strong note.
The Kwale Football Club takes pride in having produced top players, some of whom currently play for Bandari FC, while others have advanced to the Harambee Stars.
The team’s captain hailed the move as a step in the right direction and called for a more sustainable model of funding local-based teams.
He said the funds will sustain them to complete the remaining football matches as they look for further support.
