Mathare United creative midfielder, Jerrine Adhiambo/ HANDOUT Jerrine Adhiambo is keen on a Harambee Starlets call-up as newly promoted Mathare United Women prepare for their maiden FKF Women’s Premier League campaign with a top-three finish in mind.
The creative midfielder believes the determination that carried Mathare to promotion from the National Super League can help them compete with the more established sides in the top flight, as the number 10 player targets a productive season.
Adhiambo has challenged herself to become one of Mathare's main creators and contribute as many assists as possible as she bids to catch the attention of the national team selectors.
"My target is to provide as many assists as possible because playing as a number 10 is not easy. I have set my sights on the national senior team call-up, and I have given myself three matches to ensure that happens," she said.
Her ambitions come as Mathare step up preparations for a season in which they have refused to settle for survival. The Slum Girls are targeting a top-three finish after earning promotion, with head coach Ann Aluoch emphasising fitness, tactical organisation and match sharpness.
Aluoch said the team started preparations later than planned but has made progress through a series of high-profile friendlies designed to expose the squad to the demands of top-flight football.
"We planned to begin preparations two months before the season kicks off, but we started a little later than planned," said Aluoch.
Mathare have already tested themselves against top-level opposition and recently hammered Kariobangi Sharks Women 8-0 in a friendly at Utalii Grounds.
"These matches will help us prepare well for the Premier League," Aluoch added.
The club has also strengthened its squad ahead of the new campaign, signing experienced goalkeeper Ivy Makokha from Vienna FC, defender and forward Benedete Oluoch as a free agent, and former Butere Girls midfielder Clotilda Mikaya. Kenya U-17 international attacker Tabitha Wambui has joined on loan from Kahawa Pride Lionesses.
Left-back Margaret Kwamboka, popularly known as Maguire, is also set to return to competitive football after almost two seasons away. She has been training with Mathare for the past month.
