Kenya: Slum Boys Toil

Mentioning the name of Mathare United and relegation in the same sentence sounds quite an oddity. However, that is what the 2008 champions will have to get used to until they move further away from the 13th position, which they currently occupy, just three points shy of the drop zone. Stanley Okumbi's slum boys responded well to the adversity they have faced since the season began, by beating Karuturi sports in their first match of the second leg. They will need a similar performance today when they host fifth-placed Thika United.

Mathare have enjoyed improved form since the return to the squad of the experienced duo of skipper Anthony Kimani and goalkeeper Martin Musalia.This is the same experience they will have to show against Thika's front men Kefa Aswani and Moses Arita. "We have prepared well for the match and we just hope to put into use what we have been doing in training. I am confident we will get the three points against Thika United," said Okumbi. Thika's shock 1-0 home loss to Nairobi City Stars in their first match of the second leg was a major setback in their bid to challenge the top teams.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.