By Caleb Muoti
Taita Taveta-based club, Mwatate United, will compete in the National Super League (NSL) 2025/2026 after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) suspended Dimba Patriots from the second-tier league.
Dimba Patriots had acquired the NSL slot in 2023, a move contested by the Mwatate community-based club, which raised concerns over the alleged illegal acquisition and opted to seek legal redress.
Following the ruling in case SDTSC No. E045 OF 2023 in October 2024, the previous FKF regime ordered Mwatate United’s reinstatement in the league. However, the Mwatate-based side was still not scheduled to participate.
“We were supposed to join the league back in October 2024, but a few individuals in the previous FKF regime were working behind the scenes to ‘kill’ our dream team,” said Mwatate United CEO, Mwangosi Mwarabu, in a phone interview.
“Dimba Patriots illegally acquired our spot in 2023 without engaging the Mwatate community, but I thank and acknowledge the new FKF regime for our reinstatement. Truly, it is a fresh start,” Mwarabu added.
In a statement released on their social media pages, Dimba Patriots announced their withdrawal from all football activities. The club management also expressed readiness to facilitate the clearance of their players.
Subject to compliance with registration and licensing requirements, Mwarabu assured supporters that the team is ready for their NSL comeback, with both players and technical staff focused on next season.
He further called on fans and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they embark on this new chapter, promising an exciting season ahead for the Mwatate community.
“We have all the required licensing documents as mandated by FKF. We already selected our squad after holding trials in November, and under the guidance of our technical team, preparations are ongoing for a major comeback in the 2025/2026 season,” Mwarabu said.