Mathare United took a significant step in their 2024/25 FKF Premier League (KPL) campaign by securing a valuable point in a goalless draw against Kakamega Homeboyz.
After a shaky start to the season, which saw them languishing at the bottom of the table, the Slum Boys have now moved up to 14th position.
This result comes as a much-needed morale boost for John Kamau’s side, as they continue to navigate the challenging KPL season.
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Mathare’s Rocky Start to the KPL Season
Mathare United’s 2024/25 KPL season began on a rough note with a 4-0 defeat to AFC Leopards on the opening day.
That heavy loss placed them firmly at the bottom of the 18-team league, creating early concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.
With a three-week international break following that opening game, the team had time to regroup and refocus ahead of their second match of the season.
Coming up against the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup champions, Kakamega Homeboyz, in Match Week Two, the pressure was on for Mathare united to bounce back and avoid a further slide down the table.
A point away from home against a strong opponent like Homeboyz could not have come at a better time, as it moved them out of the relegation zone and provided a glimmer of hope for the weeks ahead.
In his post-match press conference, Mathare United’s head coach, John Kamau, expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance.
Despite facing a challenging opponent and playing far from home, Kamau praised his players for their resilience and determination.
“I’m really happy with today’s performance,” Kamau stated. “To get a point away from home against the Mozzart Bet Cup champions is no small feat, especially after the rough start we had. It shows the character of the team and gives us something positive to build on moving forward.”
Kamau’s comments reflected his relief at finally seeing progress after the tough opening day defeat.
The Slum Boys demonstrated a more organized and composed display compared to their lackluster showing against AFC Leopards, and the goalless draw is seen as a sign that the team is heading in the right direction.
While the point against Kakamega Homeboyz was crucial in moving Mathare united out of the relegation zone, Kamau emphasized that there is still a long way to go.
The team is a work in progress, and with several new players making their debut in the KPL, the coach knows that time and patience will be essential for further development.
“It’s important to note that we have a number of new players, many of whom are playing in the KPL for the first time,” Kamau explained. “It’s a work in progress, but I’m confident that with the support of the fans and the commitment from the players, we can reach our goals this season.”
Kamau’s focus is now on building momentum and ensuring that his side continues to improve with each game.
Mathare united’s next challenge will be against Sofapaka FC, a team with a strong history in the KPL. Kamau will be looking for his side to capitalize on the draw against Homeboyz and work towards securing their first win of the season.
Early results in the KPL are crucial for teams looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle later in the season.
Mathare United’s ability to secure a point in their second fixture, especially away from home, demonstrates the importance of resilience and fighting spirit in the league.
For a team that has experienced its fair share of struggles in recent years, moving out of the relegation zone so early in the season is a positive sign.
Kamau’s task will now be to ensure that his side builds on this result, particularly as they prepare to face more challenging opponents in the weeks ahead.
Mathare’s Next KPL Fixture: Sofapaka FC
Looking ahead, Mathare United will take on Sofapaka FC, a side that won the KPL in 2009 and has been a consistent performer in the league since then. Sofapaka is a team with experience and quality, and they will provide a stern test for Kamau’s side.
However, Mathare can take confidence from their performance against Kakamega Homeboyz, knowing that a well-organized and disciplined display can yield positive results. With the team showing signs of improvement, Kamau will be hoping for even more progress as the season continues.
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