The 2024 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season has been a rollercoaster for the newly promoted teams, Mathare United and Mara Sugar. Both clubs were promoted after outstanding performances in the 2023 National Super League (NSL), where they battled until the final moments of the season. Mara Sugar clinched the top spot with Mathare United trailing closely behind by just two points.
While their paths to promotion were similar, their fortunes in the Premier League have diverged significantly since the season kicked off. Mara Sugar started strong, securing victories in three of their first five games, accumulating 10 points, while Mathare United struggled to find their rhythm, recording their first win only recently against Bidco United. In an interview, Mathare United head coach John Kamau shared his insights on the contrasting performances between the two clubs and explained the challenges his team has faced in their debut Premier League season.
A Tale of Two Teams: Mara Sugar vs. Mathare United
Mara Sugar’s rapid adjustment to the FKF Premier League has impressed many, while Mathare United, one of the most iconic teams in Kenyan football, has found the transition more challenging. According to Kamau, the key difference between the two sides lies in their respective approaches to team building.
“Mara Sugar made minimal changes to their squad during the off-season, retaining the core of the team that had brought them success in the NSL. This continuity allowed them to maintain the chemistry and momentum that saw them excel in the second tier,” Kamau explained. “In contrast, Mathare United underwent significant changes, with a new coach and a largely revamped squad, meaning we are essentially starting from scratch.”
The importance of stability cannot be overstated in football. While Mara Sugar was able to build on the foundation they established in the NSL, Mathare United’s need to integrate new players and implement a fresh tactical approach under Kamau has contributed to their slower start.
Kamau’s Vision: Possession-Based Football
Despite the early struggles, John Kamau remains optimistic about Mathare United’s progress. He has been clear about his long-term vision for the team, which centers around possession-based football. In his post-match interview following Mathare United’s first victory of the season, Kamau outlined the steps the team has taken to build their playing style.
“There is a way that I want my team to play—focused on controlling the ball and maintaining possession. Phase one, which is ensuring we’re comfortable under pressure, has been successful. I don’t think any team can easily pressure us without us finding a way to play out from the back,” he said.
Kamau elaborated that while the team has mastered the first and second phases of their strategy—ball control and transitioning from defense to attack—they are still working on refining the final phase, which is finishing chances. The team’s lack of goals has been a concern, but Kamau is confident that this will improve with continued effort on the training ground.
Fixtures for Matchweek 6#FKFPremierLeague pic.twitter.com/xasTp64h97
— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) October 21, 2024
The FIFA International Break: A Blessing in Disguise
The league took a three-week break during the FIFA international window, which provided Kamau with an opportunity to work more intensively with his squad. Given that Mathare United is still in the early stages of implementing Kamau’s system, this break was timely.
“It seems like the FIFA calendar was built for us. We’ve had three weeks to work together without the pressure of competitive matches, which has been vital for our progress,” Kamau stated. “Our focus during this period has been on improving our offensive phase, particularly in finishing. That’s where we’ve been lacking.”
Kamau recognizes that while the team has made strides in controlling the flow of the game, converting that possession into goals is the next crucial step. Mathare United’s slow start has not dampened his belief that they can climb the table once this final piece of the puzzle is addressed.
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Addressing Defensive Weaknesses
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at Mathare United this season has been their defensive frailty. The Slum Boys have already conceded 10 goals, raising concerns about their ability to compete in the league. Kamau, however, is less worried about the defensive numbers and more focused on the overall performance of his team.
“We’ve had issues with defensive organization, and we’ve been working hard to resolve those. But I don’t see it as a major concern because I prefer to take a holistic approach. The leakage at the back is a symptom of a larger issue, which is the overall performance,” Kamau said.
His approach to fixing the defense involves improving the team’s balance and performance across all areas of the pitch. By building a cohesive unit that excels in both possession and defense, Kamau believes Mathare United will soon become a force to be reckoned with in the FKF Premier League.
Looking Ahead: Mathare’s Road to Recovery
Mathare United’s first win of the season against Bidco United, courtesy of a lone goal from Koloti, could be a turning point for the Slum Boys. While they have faced challenges in adapting to the higher level of competition, the team has shown signs of improvement under Kamau’s leadership.
As the season progresses, Kamau is optimistic that his team will continue to gel and execute his possession-based system more effectively. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Mathare United as they aim to climb out of the lower part of the table and establish themselves as a competitive side in the league.
On the other hand, Mara Sugar will look to maintain their strong start and build on the momentum they have gained. With a stable squad and confidence from their early successes, Mara Sugar appears well-positioned to achieve their goals this season.
