- Mathare United is currently in 11th place on the log with 37 points, just five above the playoff spot occupied by Murang’a SEAL (32 points).
- They have three remaining matches in the 2024/25 season against Ulinzi Stars, Bandari FC and Nairobi City Stars.
- John Kamau has revealed the importance of his team winning at least one of the matches.
Mathare United head coach John Kamau has revealed he is not overly concerned about his team’s current position in the league standings.
With just three matches remaining, Kamau remains confident they will avoid relegation, emphasizing the significance of their upcoming clash against Ulinzi Stars.
Having suffered back-to-back defeats-a 1-0 loss to Kakamega Homeboyz and a 3-1 setback against AFC Leopards. Mathare United now sits 11th on the table with 37 points, just five above the playoff spot occupied by Murang’a SEAL (32 points).
To bolster their survival hopes, the Slum Boys must secure victory in at least one of their remaining fixtures against Ulinzi Stars, Bandari FC or Nairobi City Stars.
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Responding to the relegation pressure, Kamau maintained a calm demeanor, noting that this situation is far better than the struggles they faced earlier in the season.
The moment we were at the bottom of the table, then I can assure you there was pressure. At that time, we were being whipped left, right, and in all directions. I do not think this is the right time to get to that.
And as I told you in the first leg of the season, I think I have been in these kinds of fights, and it’s a fight that needs good shocks,” Kamau told the club’s media.
He went on to highlight his players’ determination and spirited attitude, which continue to fuel his optimism, despite recent disappointments.
So far, I’m happy with the boys, the way they have jelled. Looking at the training, they don’t even seem like they have lost any match, which is a very good sign. Also, I’m happy with the few changes we’ve made.
It gives you a good feeling as a coach because the most important thing now is the mental state of the team. When you get to this stage, can your troops—the so-called senior players—step up and rise to the occasion? This is the right time we need them, for both motivation and mentality.”
Kamau also discussed the tactical approach he plans to employ against Ulinzi Stars on Saturday afternoon at Dandora Stadium, as Mathare chases a crucial three points.
There is not much you can do in a day, but we are aware of what Ulinzi brings, especially with set pieces. I think we are on it, and I believe we’ll bring more threat than they will. The most important thing is to keep believing in what we are doing. I think three points against Ulinzi will keep us safe from the relegation zone,” he added.
Why Ulinzi Stars match is very important to Mathare United
The coach acknowledged the heightened importance of the Ulinzi match, especially after bottom-ranked teams earned midweek victories, tightening the relegation battle.
Yes, I would agree-the Ulinzi Stars match is the more important game of the final two. Gor and KCB lost their midweek fixtures, and most of the teams that won were the ones at the bottom. Of course, that changes the dynamics of how we feel.
We had already thought we were done with the league and had started preparing the young players. But now, it’s like a kick-start. We need to make sure that, for the full 90 minutes, we put everything into it. This is a match we need to give our all.”
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