After hanging up his boots nearly two seasons ago, former international Danson Kago hopes to help Mathare United hit their season’s targets in his new role as fitness coach for the 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League campaign.
Kago’s role marks a homecoming for the ex-Harambee Stars man, who once dazzled for the Slum Boys in their famous green and yellow.
Now back in a different capacity, he believes his deep understanding of the club’s culture and expectations will be crucial in his new chapter.
“I know the demands of the team and its people and what they want to achieve,” he said confidently.
Kago also shares a strong working relationship with head coach John Kamau, having previously played under him at Posta Rangers. “I have already adapted well; it’s easy working with people I know and trust,” he added.
The Slum Boys currently sit 13th on the log with four points from their opening four matches.
They began the season with a 2–1 defeat to Posta Rangers, with goals from Faustin Ojiambo and Trevor Omondi cancelling out Ellie Asieche’s effort for Mathare.
They bounced back with a 1–0 win over KCB, courtesy of Asieche’s 43rd-minute strike, before holding Tusker FC to a goalless draw in their third fixture.
However, their most recent outing in the Slum derby ended in disappointment, as Kariobangi Sharks edged them 2–1 through an own goal and a Markvivan Kesa strike, with Asieche once again netting a late consolation.
Mathare’s scheduled clash against Shabana FC at the Gusii Stadium on Monday was postponed following the Football Kenya Federation’s decision to call off all league fixtures in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Their next clash will be against all-time League champions Gor Mahia on Saturday.
As part of their build-up, Mathare took on Tusker FC in a friendly at Ruaraka on Saturday, narrowly losing 1–0 to a Douglas Omanga goal.
Despite the setback, the Slum Boys were encouraged by the return of three key players.
“Despite the result, there were plenty of positives—it marked the return to full fitness of Musa Masika, Fidel Otieno, and Boaz Maeri, who all got valuable minutes after lengthy spells on the sidelines,” the club said in a statement.
Kago, who previously served on the Talanta FC technical bench, reflected on his transition from player to coach, describing it as both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s a journey moving from playing to coaching, it’s not easy because the responsibilities are very different,” he admitted.
However, he revealed that his coaching ambitions were already in motion long before his retirement.
“I started doing courses earlier on while I was still playing,” he explained.
