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Kenya: Difficult but Doable – ‘Guardiola’ Kamau Says of Mathare United’s Survival Task

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4 years ago

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Nairobi — Once again, for almost the fourth season running, Mathare United, the 2008 FKF Premier League champions, find themselves at a position where they are fighting for survival to avoid the relegation axe.

Financial problems which then resulted into a huge turnaround of players have seen the team endure a difficult season once again, and they find themselves rooted at the bottom of the standings.

In 21 matches, Mathare have won only three games, and the 1-1 result against Kariobangi Sharks on Wednesday was only their second draw this season.

However, for a team that shipped in six unanswered goals against the same opponent in the first leg, Mathare showed a more improved performance, played with structure, tactical and positional discipline, showing exactly what new coach John Kamau has instilled in the team.

Kamau took over the reins at the club after leaving his role as assistant coach at Wazito FC, and his well known philosophy, clearly shown to the public during his early days at Thika United, were in play when Mathare picked the point against Sharks.

“I didn’t want to change many things in the team,” Kamau, also previously head coach of the Kenyan Under-20 team told Capital Sport.

He added; “What I demand from the players is character and I think so far they have given me that. I am a proud coach of the Slum Boys and I would love to see that character in my team. When I came in, it wasn’t there.”

“Now the most important thing is consistency. With 13 matches, it is doable,” affirmed Kamau, nicknamed Guardiola by the football sphere.