Stopper Mboya tips Slum Boys to capture more glory next season

Mathare United shot stopper Robert Mboya believes the Slum Boys can build on the hard lessons from their current campaign and mount a stronger charge in the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season after securing their top-flight status.

Currently perched 10th on the log with 40 points, three clear of Ulinzi Stars in 11th and just one behind ninth-placed KCB, Mathare have stabilised well in their first season back in the top flight following promotion from the National Super League (NSL).

With safety now assured, the former league champions are setting their sights higher. "We are building a team because this is a fairly new team the coach assembled, but hopefully next season we will have an impact," Mboya stated.

The Slum Boys have two fixtures remaining to close out their 2024/25 campaign, a clash with Bandari today, followed by a home clash against Nairobi City Stars on Sunday. 

Mboya insists the squad is determined to finish strong and carry momentum into the new season, with head coach John Kamau’s tactical philosophy continuing to guide their revival.

"We need to stick with the coach's philosophy and work on the targets he has set for us in the remaining matches, then next season we pick up from there," he said.

In their reverse fixture against Bandari, the two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate.  Bandari raced to a two-goal lead courtesy of Sharif Majabe and Beja Nyamawi, before Mathare hit back through Elli Asieche and an own goal by Majabe to salvage a point.

The Slum Boys will also be eyeing revenge against City Stars, who edged them 1-0 in the first leg thanks to Kelvin Etemesi's strike.

Mathare’s most recent outing was a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars, secured by Musa Masika’s 74th-minute goal. It was a welcome return to the starting eleven for Mboya, who had been on the fringes for several weeks. 

"I have been on and off training; it's been a challenge for me, but the coach gave me a chance against Ulinzi."

"He told me to prove myself, and I was able to step up to the challenge," he said. He further emphasised the importance of securing a clean sheet in motivating the team for their upcoming games.

"The clean sheet was very important for the team. We need all three points and a clean sheet. In our previous matches, we have been conceding a lot. The clean sheet is a motivational booster for the team," he added.