- Hassan, who has made 19 appearances for Harambee Stars and scored six goals, last featured for the national team in a friendly match against Pakistan in 2023. He is now determined to deliver consistent performances for Bandari FC and attract the attention of the national team selectors.
Bandari FC attacking midfielder Abdallah Hassan is aiming for an impressive campaign in the new FKF Premier League season as he seeks a place in Kenya’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hassan, who has made 19 appearances for Harambee Stars and scored six goals, last featured for the national team in a friendly match against Pakistan in 2023. He is now determined to deliver consistent performances for Bandari FC and attract national team selectors' attention.
“I have set my targets for this season. I want it to be the best campaign for me in terms of scoring goals and providing assists, and ultimately impressing the national team coaches to earn a place in the Harambee Stars squad for AFCON 2027,” said Hassan.
The midfielder’s six international goals include a brace against Tanzania, with the other four coming against Egypt, Togo and Sudan.
Hassan is versatile, capable of playing as a winger or right-back. He demonstrated his adaptability last season by covering the right-back position in several league matches for the Dockers.
“I am capable of playing in any position upfront, but as you saw last season, I was also able to cover the right-back position very well in most of our league games. However, I am more comfortable playing as a winger,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hassan has welcomed the promotion of Mombasa United to the FKF Premier League, saying their arrival will usher in a new chapter for football in Mombasa and the wider Coast region.
“We welcome them to the top league. It is a new dawn for Mombasa and coastal football at large. They will have strong backing from their fans, and I believe our derby will be the most entertaining match,” said Hassan.
His sentiments were echoed by Bandari FC head coach Charles Okere, who congratulated their Mombasa neighbours, noting that having two teams from the coastal city in the top flight would boost the region’s football development and give local players greater exposure.
“We congratulate our neighbours. It is good for the growth of football to have two teams from Mombasa in the KPL, and I am sure football fans in Mombasa and the wider Coast region will enjoy the top league even more,” said Okere.
The Bandari coach also challenged upcoming players to seize the opportunity presented by the presence of two top-flight clubs in Mombasa to showcase their talent and earn places in either side.
“To the upcoming players, this is your chance to show what you can do and get to play at Kenya’s top-flight level, either for Bandari or Mombasa United,” he added.
Bandari FC will begin their new FKF Premier League campaign away to AFC Leopards in Nairobi on Wednesday, while Mombasa United are set to make their top-flight debut at home against Kakamega Homeboyz on the same day.