Lady luck smiles on Coast Stima as they get a new shirt sponsor

Coast Stima's Dennis Magige shields the ball from Nerius Wekesa of Admistration Police during NSL match at Camp Toyoyo on Wednesday, Oct 17, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

National Super League side, Coast Stima, is set to unveil a new sponsor after Kenya Power Company terminated its partnership with the club.

While withdrawing its sponsorship, Kenya Power Company cited adverse business environment owing to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Also affected by the sponsorship withdrawal were Kenyan Premier League side Western Stima and another NSL outfit Nairobi Stima.

Coast Stima FC club Chairman David Opiyo said they have secured a new sponsor, who will be unveiled in due course.

“It is early to disclose our new shirt sponsors as we are in the final stages of sealing the deal before making the official announcement.

“We had foreseen the termination of the sponsorship and decided to move faster to avoid being caught unawares,” said the Club chairman.

Opiyo confirmed that all the players have been getting their monthly salaries despite the hard times.

“The players have been training in small groups under the close watch of the technical bench and we hope to bring the players together once the government declares the pandemic is under control,” said the Chairman.

He said the club has identified several signings to beef up the team ahead of the start of the super league.

“Our focus is to win the Super League and qualify for 2021/22 Premier League,” said Opiyo.

In January this year, Bandari FC loaned Dennis Magige and Hassan Iddi to Coast Stima, but the dockers’ coach Ken Odhiambo has said he would recall the duo to boost the team.

“We are waiting for Bandari to give us official communication that the duo will not extend their stay with us before we unleash our new signings,” Opiyo said.

Stima were fifth in the NSL standings before the season was suspended over COVID-19 concerns and FKF controversially ended all the leagues.

Coast Stima, Modern Coast and newly promoted Mwatate United will be representing Coast region in the NSL next season.

Mwatate United, who are based in Taita Taveta County have also embarked on a recruitment drive to strengthen the team ahead of the start of Kenyan football action.