Mathare United assistant coach
Mohammed Muchula is rallying
his troops for a blistering start to
the year when they face Kariobangi
Sharks in a Slum derby on Sunday.
This, he said, will be crucial as they look forward to a defining season in their Kenyan Premier League. Mathare is 11th on the log with 19 points from 15 matches — five wins, four draws and six defeats.
Their rivals, Kariobangi Sharks, trail closely in 12th with 18 points, boasting four wins, six draws and five losses. Consistency is key to their ambitions.
“We need to build consistency, which will ultimately translate into strong performances,” he emphasised.
While survival remains the primary objective, Muchula hasn’t ruled out the prospect of achieving something special this term.
“Our target is to achieve a memorable fete and stay afloat in the top-flight league,” noted Muchula.
He acknowledged the highs and lows that defined their start to the campaign in August last year.
“I am thankful that 2024 was a good year for us. It had good challenges which helped us,” he noted.
Mathare’s start to the current campaign was far from ideal.
A humbling 4-0 defeat to AFC Leopards was followed by stalemates against Kakamega Homeboyz and Sofapaka, only for defending champions Gor Mahia to hand them another 4-0 drubbing.
However, the Slum Boys clawed back with a narrow 1-0 win over Bidco United, only to stumble again in a 2-0 loss to Kenya Police.
But, their resurgence came in style, with consecutive victories against Talanta, Posta Rangers and leaders KCB.
However, inconsistency crept back in as they fell to City Stars, Tusker, and Murang’a Seal, coupled with draws against Ulinzi Stars and Bandari.
A 1-0 win over Shabana, courtesy of Brian Ouru’s strike, closed out their 2024. Mathare and Sharks shared the wins in the 2022/23 season before Mathare were relegated.
Mathare won the first leg ( 2-1 ) while Sharks responded with a 2-1 victory in the return fixture. Sharks enter the clash licking their wounds after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Gor Mahia in their final match of 2024.
Meanwhile, Mathare goalkeeper Michael Wanyika is hoping for more clean sheets in the race for the KPL Golden Glove.
“I want to rack up more clean sheets this year and, God willing, achieve all the targets we set out at the beginning of the season,” he noted.
Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and
KCB’s Farouk Shikhalo lead the
charge with seven clean sheets while
Wanyika has six, the same as Patrick
Matasi of Kenya Police.
