Created in 2012, Mara F.C (TSFC) has come a long way – from the Enoosaen Boys High School training field to reach the First Division of the Kenyan Football League and now the National Super League.
In 2013, the club enrolled in the Nyanza South Provincial league and came in 3rd overall. Since 2014, TSFC has been led by Coach Tom Kadwe and his assistant, Wilson Okemo. Together, they gave a new meaning to the term football, bringing about change to the club’s management style and leading the team to play in local tournaments. In 2015, the club entered the South Rift Provincial League. After an overall successful season, coming in 2nd in the league, TSFC was promoted to the Second Division of the Kenya Football League. 2017 marks a turning point to the team’s existence, with its promotion to the First Division of the league from 24 February 2018.
TSCL proudly sponsors the club by offering accommodation facilities to the players within the company quarters, as well as transport to playing destinations, and by purchasing game kits. The company also feeds players on match days and provides them with transport facilities for training sessions.
Now the newbies are keen to impress in their maiden campaign in the Kenyan second-tier league after gaining promotion by virtue of clinching the FKF Division One Zone B. Mara won Zone B after ending their season on 59 points, a point ahead of bitter rivals Luanda Villa.
Mara as they are famously known by their Narok fan base joined other new boys Naivas Football Club who also made the cut for the second tier after being declared Zone A champions in September following their narrow 3-2 win against Ruiru Hot Stars on the final day of the season. Mara technical director and former international Bonface Ambani says their primary objective will be to maintain their status in the NSL as they plot to build a team that will challenge for promotion to the FKF-Premier League in the future.
“I know we are a small team from Narok and no one has ever heard of us in the upper echelons of Kenyan football before our promotion. I believe we have what it takes to remain in the league as we plan for a future in which we can challenge for the title and subsequent promotion," said Ambani. Ambani’s contribution to the team’s trailblazing success last season was invaluable as they will be the first team from Narok County to grace big-time Kenyan football.
Ambani expressed his delight for having played an integral role in the team’s successes last term while expressing his confidence that they will stage a decent show in their debut season. “I’m beyond delighted for what we have achieved as a team in the short time that I have been with them. I must admit when they approached me to help them out, they were not sure if I could agree to their request. However, I knew that with the experience I have after playing both in the local and international leagues I could help where I can and I’m happy that we have managed to achieve something special at last.”
Mara will make their NSL bow against giants Shabana at Awendo Green Stadium on November 7 while Naivas will take on sophomores Mully Children’s Family (MCF) at Ruaraka grounds on the same day.