Mathare United's recruit, Daniel Mukok, is optimistic his side will take all three points in their upcoming clash against 2009 Premier League champions Sofapaka this Saturday.
Mukok, a promising left-footed centre-back, joined Mathare from National Super League side, Mombasa Elite.
The defender first rose to prominence as part of the Barding High School team that clinched the 2016 East African Secondary School football title, ending Kenya’s 14-year drought.
Mukok was voted man of the match in their goalless draw against Kakamega Homeboyz on Sunday at the Mumias Sports Complex.
He believes the team has learned vital lessons that will help them secure a win. “Getting a point away is massive. We’ve already started preparing for Sofapaka. We know where we went wrong against Homeboyz and we’ll fix it. I'm confident we’ll walk away with all three points,” he said.
Mathare head coach John Kamau echoed his defender’s optimism, praising the team’s improving mental toughness after a tough start to the season.
“Tactically, I’m happy with the boys but it’s the mental side of things that’s improving. Coming off a 4-0 defeat to Leopards and then securing a point away from home shows real character,” Kamau said.
Mathare suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of AFC Leopards in their season opener at Dandora Stadium, with goals from Arthur Gitego, Brian Munyendo, Victor Omune and Sydney Lokale.
Reflecting on the draw with Homeboyz, Kamau admitted the team failed to make the most of their chances. “We dominated the first half and should’ve won it, but we failed to capitalise on the situation. Still, getting a point away is huge," Kamau added.
As Mathare prepares for their showdown with Sofapaka at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kamau called on fans to show their support.
“I urge our fans to get behind the team. We have a lot of new faces in the squad and their backing will be crucial for our young players.”
Sofapaka, meanwhile, heads into the match off a 1-0 loss to FC Talanta, where an Alex Juma penalty sealed the win for Talanta at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.
Before that, Batoto Ba Mungu fell 1-0 to Tusker, courtesy of Chrispin Erambo’s strike in the 61st minute in their league opener at the same venue.
