Mathare United founder Bob Munro has said tenacity and willpower propelled them back to the Kenyan Premier League.
The Slum Boys overcame a heartbreaking dip the previous season to bounce back onto the top-flight stage after wrapping up second in the second-tier National Super League, behind Mara Sugar.
Munro said the greater Mathare slums, where the club was formed, took immense pride in the spectacular return to elite competition.
“The youth of Mathare and their Mathare FC team have yet again shown their determination, resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity,” Munro remarked.
"It demonstrated another MYSA youth motto: “There are no problems, only challenges.”
The Slum Boys, unscathed by the setback that ended their 25-year run in the KPL, fought hard to reclaim their status after one season in the second tier.
Jectone Obure, the chief executive officer of Mathare United, previously disclosed how Munro almost dissolved the club after the relegation.
Recalling the pivotal moment that rocked the Slum Boy's serene existence in the KPL, Obure stated that Munro's concept originated from a persistent financial headache.
"Munro suggested we just find a way of getting rid of the club, mainly because it had become difficult to meet its operation costs," Obure stated.
Ballooning debts to players and the technical bench became a recurring theme.
Obure said they eventually found relief in the kind hearts of well-wishers, who pooled their resources to keep the club from crumbling further.
"We are yet to land a shirt sponsor, but some of our friends have stood with us throughout the season and helped us get back into the KPL," Obure remarked.
"One of the main reasons we've been putting up strong performances is that we don't owe our players any wages or match bonuses. We had to find a method for resolving it because a stable revenue stream is an important aspect of a team's success,” he added.
The club rose to the national limelight after tucking away the Moi Golden Cup in 1998 and storming to the KPL title 10 years later.
Mathare has fostered the development of top-notch players who have made significant contributions to the local and international football terrain.
A notable figure who honed his craft at Mathare United is celebrated Harambee Stars erstwhile striker Dennis Oliech.