KPL: Mathare United in dire need of victory

Coach Mathare FC Francis Kimanzi at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, Oct 30, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH NYANGO/STANDARD]

Kimanzi longing to smile again

This has been a tough journey for the Slum Boys, who are last on the log.

It has been a long time since Mathare United coach Francis Kimanzi tasted victory.

The experienced tactician's team is currently last on the log, but he says they require just one win in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) to mark their journey out of the relegation zone.

The Slum Boys are in bottom place with 13 points as the second leg of the KPL kicks off at various venues today.

They face Kakamega Homeboyz in a reverse fixture in Ruaraka, well aware that nothing short of victory is expected of them.

"It is an uncomfortable position to be in at the moment. We have been playing very well and even managed to fortify our backline but our main undoing remains lack of goals," said Kimanzi.

 

One match

"I strongly believe that if we win just one match and get off the bottom of the log, it will give us a lot of confidence. At the moment, people are appreciating the team's potential," he said.

The two teams drew 1-1 at Mumias Complex last weekend, in a match Mathare United believe they were 'robbed' of maximum points after their opponents were awarded a controversial penalty.

Mathare's Chris Ochieng had put the Slum Boys ahead before striker Wycliff Ochomo made no mistake from the spot in the 88th minute.

Ochieng said he was determined to score again today.

"I am happy that I scored my first goal but it was disappointing that we did not win. Goals are only important if they help a team to win. I have been improving with every game and that goal gives me confidence moving forward," he said on the club's website.

"I will be coming up against the same defence and from what I saw in the first leg, I know we can defeat them. My target is to score in every game because I still want to be the top scorer in the league.

"We are not just participants in this league. We are competitors and we will demonstrate that in our match."

Champions Tusker face Posta Rangers in a reverse fixture at Nyayo Stadium, three days after the two teams drew 1-1 in Meru.

Rangers have been one of the surprise teams this season, with an impressive back line that has conceded one of the fewest goals so far. Coach Sammy Omollo is familiar with their opponents, having handled Tusker four years ago.

He will certain to start Dennis Mukhaisi, his top scorer, to try and break open the Tusker back line.