Mathare United head coach John Kamau has thrown down the gauntlet to his new signings, Jacob “Yobo” Onyango and John Macharia, backing the pair to spearhead the Slum Boys’ bid for 40 goals in the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League campaign.
The Slum Boys, buoyed by a 10th-place finish last season with 42 points, have been busy in the transfer market as they aim for a stronger showing in the upcoming season.
Key among the fresh arrivals are midfielders Onyango, snapped up from Bidco United, and Macharia, who joins from Bandari.
Kamau was quick to point out that Mathare’s Achilles heel last season lay in the final third, with his strikers firing blanks when it mattered most.
"If you look at our scoring chart last season, we had strikers scoring only two goals for an entire season, which is uncalled for," Kamau said.
"You can't call yourself a striker and then score just two goals in almost 1,000 minutes."
He highlighted that Onyango will be key for the team going forward.
"We have a problem with our striking department and for this season, we decided to bring in players who are lethal in scoring goals. That is the reason we brought in Yobo," he said.
The tactician noted Onyango's goal-scoring resume while at Bidco, tipping him to net 10 goals in the new season.
"While at Bidco, Yobo scored 12 goals. I am anticipating him to give us 10 goals," he said.
Kkamau believes Onyango can hit double figures in his debut campaign for the Slum Boys, noting that his presence will sharpen the finishing touches of his front men, Musa Masika and Eli Asieche.
"If he (Onyango) can get us those goals, then he will also push the other, like Masika, who got five goals last season, to also get 10 and Eli as well," he added.
"Yobo is coming to a team which has very high expectations for him."
The experienced tactician eyes 40 goals in the upcoming season.
"We are looking for a tally of 40 goals in this coming season," he said.
Kamau expects Macharia to bring a creative spark to the midfield, something they lacked last season. He will be key in set-piece situations.
"He does not score many goals, but if we can work on our set pieces, then Macharia will be key in giving us scoring opportunities," he said.
Mathare open the campaign at home to Onyango’s former club Bidco United on September 22 before facing KCB, Tusker, Kariobangi Sharks and Shabana in a tricky first five fixtures.
