Over the last four seasons, 2008 Kenya Premier League champions Mathare United have had to dig deep into their pockets to either survive in the league or keep their best players from rival clubs.
This season, nothing seems to work for them and they have now turned to former Thika United coach, John Kamau, to help the club rekindle its fast fading glory.
Kamau, who was recently sacked by struggling Wazito FC, will be in charge of the Slum Boys until the end of the season.
"I am excited to be joining this great club. It might not seem so with how the season is going but I am confident that we can restore the pride of Mathare United," Kamau said after his unveiling.
Popularly known as 'Guardiola’, the experienced gaffer has travelled far and wide including a stint with the Rising Stars and as an assistant with the national soccer team, Harambee Stars.
Last month, together with another former Mathare United coach, Francis Kimanzi, and goalkeeper trainer, Samuel Koko, were fired by Wazito following a long spell of unsatisfactory results with Fred Ambani taking charge. The latter has joined Kamau at Mathare as the keepers trainer.
“I am mostly known for my work with young players and here I can get back to doing that. We must not allow this club to suffer the same fate as Thika United which was also a safe heaven for the young upcoming footballers," Kamau noted.
Lying bottom of the FKF Premier League table with only two wins and a draw, time seems to be running out for them and the 'Pep' magic will be needed as soon as possible.
Former captain Ezekiel Akwana stepped aside from the role two weeks ago following a 3-1 drubbing by AFC Leopards and his immediate replacement Francis Xavier couldn't help calm the nerves either as he only oversaw one game, a reverse fixture against the Leopards, this time losing 2-1 at the Nyayo stadium.
"Kamau has impressed us extremely with his understanding of the game and above all understanding of the situation that he is coming into. He is determined and understands the task at hand. We are certain that this will be a positive partnership,” Mathare United CEO Jectone Obure said.
Francis Xavier will however retain his role as an assistant coach with Julius Mativo also joins the technical bench.