Newly appointed Mwatate United coach Evans Mafuta gives instructions to his players at Gusii Stadium/ ANGWENYI GICHANANational Super League (NSL) returnees Mwatate United have turned to experienced coach Evans Mafuta in a bid to revive their season.
The Wundanyi-based side rejoined the second tier this campaign after a two-year dispute with Dimba Patriots over their league slot. Mwatate eventually won the case and secured their return, but the start has been tough.
They sit at the bottom of the table with seven points, level with 19th-placed Kabati Youth. In ten matches, they have won once, drawn four and lost five—but Mafuta remains upbeat.
“The bottom position does not worry me at all. I will turn things around in the next few games,” said Mafuta, who previously guided Administration Police Service (APS) Bomet to promotion to the SportPesa Premier League.
“My immediate task is to lift the team from the bottom of the log. I want to stabilise the squad, then focus on maintaining our NSL status at the end of the season.”
Mafuta revealed the club currently has a squad of 25 young and largely inexperienced players.
“Mwatate did not attract good players because of the uncertainties surrounding their return to the league,” he said.
He plans to make several changes in the mid-season transfer window.
“I want to sign two goalkeepers, defenders and strikers. We have conceded 16 goals in 10 games and scored only seven. We must beef up the team with players who have NSL experience,” noted the CAF-licensed coach.
Mafuta’s first match in charge ended in a 2–0 defeat to Gucha Stars on Sunday.
Today, Mwatate hosts 16th-placed Luanda Villa at Wundanyi Stadium.
“I have a target of winning all our home matches. Luanda Villa are motivated by their 2–0 win over Naivas last weekend, but our loss against Gucha will also inspire us to bounce back,” Mafuta said.
He confirmed he resigned from APS Bomet on November 25 following an indefinite suspension issued by the club’s chief executive officer, Rose Chemutai. Mafuta and head coach Michael Nam were suspended after a poor run of results.
Former Mara Sugar coach Michael Wanjala is now in charge of APS Bomet, while ex-Posta Rangers boss Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo has been appointed head coach.
