Mathare United turn to Mchulla in desperate survival push

The decision comes with only three matches remaining in the season and marks another reset in a campaign that has steadily unravelled despite early optimism after the club’s return to the top flight.

Assistant coach Mohammed Mchulla has now been placed in interim charge and faces the difficult task of steering the “Slum Boys” to safety.

Kamau’s exit follows a disappointing stretch in which Mathare struggled for consistency throughout 2026. Nicknamed “Guardiola” for his possession-based philosophy, Kamau had initially promised stability during his second stint at the club after guiding the team through promotion.

However, results deteriorated sharply, with Mathare managing only four wins in 16 league matches this year.

The latest setback — a 2-0 defeat to APS Bomet at Kasarani — appeared to be the final blow. Despite controlling possession for long periods, Mathare once again lacked cutting edge in attack and were punished on the counterattack.

It was a performance that summed up much of their season: organised in build-up play but ineffective in both penalty areas.

The club had attempted to revive its campaign earlier in the season by strengthening the technical bench with the arrival of Gabriel Njoroge, popularly known as “Kingi,” and Leonard Odipo. However, performances failed to improve significantly.

Mathare now sit just three points above the relegation play-off spot, making the final matches of the campaign crucial.

Mchulla’s first assignment comes against Mara Sugar in a fixture that could define the club’s survival hopes.

Forward John Mark Makwatta believes the team can still avoid relegation.

“My job as a striker is to score, and I believe the goals will come when it matters most,” said Makwatta.

Mathare, league champions in 2008 under Francis Kimanzi, are now fighting to avoid another drop after returning to the top flight in 2024 following promotion from the National Super League.