Mathare United head coach John Kamau / FILEMathare United head coach John Kamau banks on the international break to revive his side’s campaign after a mixed start to the 2025/26 SportPesa League season.
After four matches, the Slum Boys sit 12th with just four points. They opened the season with a 2-1 loss to Posta Rangers on September 22, before edging KCB 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Ellie Asieche.
That momentum stalled with a goalless draw against Tusker on October 1, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Kariobangi Sharks in last weekend’s Slum Derby at Kasarani Annex.
An own goal and Markvivan Kesa’s second-half strike sealed Mathare’s fate, despite a stoppage-time consolation from Asieche.
Kamau is optimistic that the break will allow his squad to regroup and improve.
“From what I saw in our match against the Sharks, I believe we are capable of bouncing back strongly,” he said.
He acknowledged the team’s inconsistent form and the need for a sharper response.
“I can’t say we have played well because losing two, drawing one and winning just one match shows we haven’t been at our best,” he said. “The most important thing now is how we respond to those defeats.”
Finishing is the team’s main weakness. “We need to work on our finishing, that’s been our main setback,” he said.
On the loss to the Sharks, Kamau bemoaned missed chances and a costly lapse in concentration in midfield.
“Football is a game of chances. We had so many scoring opportunities in both halves, which we did not take,” he said. “We were punished after a mistake where we lost the ball in the midfield and the opponent was able to counter.”
He credited the Sharks for their defensive organisation.
“Our opponent defended well because the whole of the second half and the final minutes of the first half; we put them under pressure,” he said. “Overall, in terms of performance, our display was not bad.”
Mathare’s next challenge comes after the break with a tough trip to Gusii Stadium to face leaders Shabana. The Glamour Boys top the table with seven points, level with Posta Rangers but ahead on goal difference. Their season includes wins over APS Bomet and Bandari, and a 1-1 draw with Tusker.
Mathare will hope to draw confidence from last season’s encounters with Shabana, when they claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg before settling for a goalless draw in the reverse fixture.
