Mathare United's grand return to the Kenyan Premier League is a huge relief for founder Bob Munro and the larger Mathare Slums.
United reclaimed their status on Friday after one season in the National Super League in the preceding season.
Coach Francis Kimanzi's charges had one foot in the door by Thursday following the Football Kenya Federation's decision to award them three points against Rainbow.
This was after the Slum Boys petitioned the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, claiming that two of Rainbow's tacticians who had been red-carded in a previous match, sat on the bench during their clash on May 26.
Mathare ultimately confirmed their status on Friday with a resounding 3-0 trouncing of Darajani Gogo at the Dandora Stadium.
CEO Jacktone Obure revealed how Munro had contemplated folding up following their relegation, which ended their 25 years in the KPL.
Recalling the awkward moment, CEO Jacktone Obure said Munro's idea stemmed from the side's perennial financial struggles.
"Munro suggested we should just find a way of getting rid of the club mainly because it had become difficult meeting its operation costs," Obure stated.
Obure said they eventually had to turn to well-wishers who agreed to rally behind the club financially throughout their successful NSL campaign.
Perennial financial constraints informed the Slum Boys' rapid decline in form even as unpaid salaries and match bonuses for players and the technical bench became a constant feature that sounded the death knell.
Obure says the scenario has taken a positive turn after the well-wishers came on board with consistent assistance.
"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 wages or match bonuses. We had to find a method for resolving it because a stable stream of revenue is an important aspect of a team's success, particularly with promotion in sight."
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.
The club has fostered the development of top-notch players who have made significant contributions on the local and international football terrains.
Notable figures who refined their skills at Mathare United include celebrated Harambee Stars erstwhile striker Dennis Oliech, international custodian Arnold Origi and the Mulama twins — Simon and Titus.
