Mathare United reappoint Ouma as head coach

Mathare United have reappointed David Ouma as their new head coach on a one-year contract as the club begins rebuilding after a difficult 2025/26 Sportpesa Premier League campaign.

Ouma, a former MYSA graduate, began his coaching journey at Mathare United as an assistant coach between 2004 and 2005. He returns to the club after a spell in Tanzania, where he guided Coastal Union and Singida Black Stars to continental football.

The appointment follows a difficult season for Mathare United, who finished 14th in the Sportpesa Premier League table with 41 points from 34 matches. The club recorded 11 wins, eight draws, and 15 defeats, scoring 31 goals and conceding 35. Mathare spent much of the campaign fighting for survival before a late recovery secured their top-flight status. The club ended the season with a 1-0 win over Bandari FC at Kasarani Stadium on the final day.

Ouma said his immediate priority is to create unity and a strong working environment as the club prepares for the new season.

“We know the responsibility that comes with coaching Mathare United. This is a club with history, identity and a strong connection with the community. The first thing is to bring everyone together and start working as one team,” Ouma said.

At Coastal Union, the CAF A-licensed coach managed a fourth-place finish in the Tanzanian Premier League during the 2023/24 season, earning continental qualifications. At Singida Black Stars, Ouma took charge after serving as assistant to Miguel Gamondi and helped the club navigate the CAF Confederation Cup group stages.

“We have to build from the foundation that already exists. Mathare survived a difficult season, and that shows the character of the players and the club. Now we want to compete better and restore confidence,” Ouma added.

Mathare United CEO Jacktone Obure said the appointment is part of the club’s plan to bring stability and technical direction after a challenging campaign.

“David understands Mathare United because he has been part of this institution before. He knows the values of the club and what it represents. We believe he is the right person to lead the team forward,” Obure said.

The club’s struggles deepened late in the season when head coach John Kamau was dismissed after a poor run of results, including a defeat against APS Bomet that left Mathare in danger of relegation. Assistant coach Mohammed Mchulla then guided the team through the final matches, collecting victories against Mara Sugar and Bandari to secure survival.

Obure said the search for a new coach focused on finding someone who could combine experience with a long-term vision.

“We were looking for a coach who could help us compete, develop players and bring back the fighting spirit associated with Mathare United. Ouma’s record speaks for itself, and we are confident in his ability,” he said.

Ouma noted that Mathare’s history and youth development structure provide a strong platform for future success.

“This club has always been known for producing talent. We want to create an environment where players can improve, compete and believe in themselves,” Ouma said.

Obure stated that preparations for the new season would begin immediately, with recruitment and squad planning expected to follow.

“The focus now is preparing the team properly for the new campaign. We want to give the coach the support he needs and make sure the players are ready,” Obure said.

Ouma, who has also managed the Kenya women’s national team Harambee Starlets and helped them qualify for their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2016, said he is returning with renewed ambition.

“Every challenge is an opportunity. Mathare United has a proud history, and our goal is to work hard, improve every day and make our supporters proud,” Ouma said.

Obure concluded that the club’s survival was only the beginning of a bigger rebuilding process, stating, “Staying in the Premier League was important, but now we have to aim higher. This is a new chapter for Mathare United.”