John Kamau appointed new head coach at Mathare United

John Kamau has been appointed the new head coach at Mathare United on a one-year deal.  Kamau replaces veteran coach Francis Kimanzi, who left the slum boys yesterday after helping them back to the FKF premier league top flight.

The experienced Kamau who formerly coached Thika United and KCB  returns to the side on a second stint having led them in 2022.  Kamau has been clubless since being fired by Posta Rangers in April 2024.

According to Mathare United CEO Jecktone Obure, Kamau will be tasked with stabilising the slum dwellers' fortunes in the KPL, as they start fresh.

"Kamau is an experienced coach who knows the club so well and we expect him to excel with us," said Obure.

Obure, says Kimanzi left the club by mutual agreement after successfully helping them back to the FKF top flight, having been relegated to the National Super League (NSL) in 2022-23.

“We hadn’t committed Kimanzi to a contract since he took over from Leonard Odipo in March 2024. As our old boy, he was just helping us on a gentle man’s agreement and we thank him for ensuring we return to the KPL, " said Obure.

Kimanzi grabbed the automatic qualification ticket after finishing second to Mara Sugar with 82 points, just two behind the Sugar men.

The 48-year-old experienced gaffer has been linked with a move to Tanzania top flight side Tabora United

Kimanzi was in his third stint at the club having taken charge in 2008, when the Slum Boys won their first land-only league title, before leaving for national duties at Harambee Stars.

The Uefa pro licence holder jumped ship to Sofapaka after being sacked as Stars coach. He later took charge at Tusker in 2015-19, before he was appointed Sebastien Migne’s assistant at Harambee Stars.